L’Aquila undergoes cultural rebirth ahead of 2026 designation

Seventeen years after the devastating earthquake of April 2009, L’Aquila is undergoing a cultural rebirth as it prepares for its role as the Italian Capital of Culture 2026. The city has utilized this designation to complete significant restoration projects and reopen major landmarks to the public.

Key developments include the removal of scaffolding from the Duomo in July, restoring the central square, and the resumption of performances at the Teatro San Filippo. The city's cultural offerings have been bolstered by the arrival of major masterpieces, including Raphael’s ‘Visitation’ and Antonello da Messina’s ‘Ecce Homo’.

While many residents still remember the trauma of the earthquake, which displaced thousands into new towns and hotels, the reconstruction efforts aim to return the city to its former vitality while maintaining a connection to its history.