L'Aquila (redirected from Aquila, Italy)

L'Aquila or L'Aquila degli Abruzzi (lä`kwēlä dā`lyē äbrt`tsē), city (1991 pop. 66,813), capital of L'Aquila prov. and of Abruzzi, central Italy, on the Pescara River. It is an agricultural and industrial center, and a summer resort. A motorway that connects it with Rome is being extended to the Adriatic coast. Manufactures include building materials, machinery, and electronic equipment. L'Aquila is situated at the foot of the Gran Sasso d'Italia mountain group and is a popular base for mountain climbing. Built around a castle (13th–16th cent.), it rose to importance in the 13th cent. and later became the second city of the kingdom of Naples. However, the city's influence declined during the wars of the 16th cent. Despite several devastating earthquakes L'Aquila has retained its medieval fortifications and a number of impressive old buildings, including St. Bernardino's Basilica (15th–16th cent.). There is a university in the city.

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L'Aquila

City (pop., 2001 prelim.: 63,121), capital of the Abruzzi region, central Italy. The area was settled by the Sabini, an ancient Italic tribe, and the city was founded c. 1240. After being ruled by the Kingdom of Naples, it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Located near the mountains of Gran Sasso d'Italia, it is a skiing centre and summer resort. Historic sites include a 14th-century cathedral and a 16th-century castle.