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| Prefecture of L'Aquila | |
|---|---|
| Name | Prefecture of L'Aquila |
| Native name | Provincia dell'Aquila |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Capital | L'Aquila |
| Area km2 | 5047 |
| Population | 301910 |
| Population as of | 2017 |
| Established | 1927 |
Prefecture of L'Aquila is an administrative territory in central Italy located within the Abruzzo region, encompassing a mountainous interior centered on the city of L'Aquila. The area is framed by the Apennine Mountains including the Gran Sasso d'Italia and Majella, and it has been shaped by events such as the Italian unification and the 1970 Irpinia earthquake. The prefecture contains a network of towns, valleys and parks that connect historic sites like Rocca Calascio and Castel del Monte with modern institutions such as the University of L'Aquila and Aquila Calcio.
The territory evolved through periods dominated by Ancient Rome, the Ostrogothic Kingdom, and the Byzantine Empire, later becoming part of the domains of the Normans and the Kingdom of Sicily. During the medieval era, communes like Sulmona, Avezzano, Scanno, and Celano rose under feudal lords such as the Cantelmo family, while papal influence grew via the Papal States and families like the Colonna family. The area witnessed conflict in the Italian Wars and strategic maneuvers during the Napoleonic Wars, later entering the Kingdom of Italy after the Risorgimento. Industrialization and infrastructure projects in the 19th century connected towns including Pescina and Pratola Peligna, yet seismic events like the L'Aquila earthquake (2009) and earlier quakes in 1703 Abruzzo earthquake altered urban fabric, prompting reconstruction overseen by bodies such as the Protezione Civile and debates involving the European Union and Italian Ministry of the Interior.
The prefecture is dominated by the Apennines with peaks like Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso, and the protected zones of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park and Majella National Park. Valleys such as the Aterno Valley and plateaus like the Piana di Navelli host communes including Navelli, Cagnano Amiterno, and Fontecchio. Rivers including the Aterno-Pescara traverse municipalities like San Demetrio ne' Vestini and Bucchianico, while passes such as the Forca di Penne shape routes toward Teramo and Pescara. Climate varies from alpine at Campo Imperatore to continental in L'Aquila and Mediterranean influences near Corropoli; seasonal snow affects ski resorts such as Roccaraso and Ovindoli, and flora includes species noted by researchers at institutions like the University of Teramo and Italian National Research Council.
The prefecture contains numerous comunes including L'Aquila, Avezzano, Sulmona, Avezzano, Scanno, Celano, Pescasseroli, Rocca di Mezzo, Tagliacozzo, and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, organized within historical districts linked to ecclesiastical seats such as Amiternum and dioceses like the Archdiocese of L'Aquila. Subdivisions encompass frazioni like Paterno, Arischia, and San Vittorino, while administrative functions connect to regional bodies in Pescara and national agencies in Rome.
Population centers include L'Aquila, Avezzano, and Sulmona, with demographic trends influenced by migration after events like the L'Aquila earthquake (2009) and economic shifts tied to industries in Magliano de' Marsi and Pescina. Historical figures such as Gabriele D'Annunzio and Ovid are connected to towns like Pescara and Sulmona through cultural heritage that affects identity; census activities conducted by Istat track age structures, birth rates, and emigration to cities such as Rome, Milan, Naples, and international destinations like London and Berlin. Ethnic communities include recent migrants from Romania, Albania, and North Africa, while local dialects reflect ties to Neapolitan language variants and Abruzzese forms studied at the University of L'Aquila.
Economic activities center on agriculture in areas like Navelli and Barisciano, pastoralism in the Altopiano delle Rocche, tourism in Gran Sasso and heritage sites like Rocca di Calascio, and manufacturing in industrial zones near Avezzano and Pratola Peligna. Transportation networks include the A24 motorway (Italy), rail links on lines connecting Sulmona to Pescara and Rome, and regional airports serving Pescara Airport and connections to Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport. Energy infrastructure features hydroelectric plants on rivers such as the Aterno and installations related to research centers like Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso and collaborations with entities such as ENEA and ENEL.
Cultural life encompasses festivals like the Perdonanza Celestiniana in L'Aquila and the Festa di San Bernardino; architectural landmarks include Basilica di San Bernardino, Fontana delle 99 cannelle in L'Aquila, Abbey of Santo Spirito a Morrone in Sulmona, and castles such as Rocca Calascio and Castello Piccolomini in Celano. Museums like the Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo and the Museo Civico di Sulmona preserve artifacts tied to Roman sites such as Amiternum and medieval art from the Colonna family patronage. Culinary traditions highlight products like saffron from Navelli, montepulciano wines consumed at local enotecas, and dishes showcased at markets in Scanno and Pescina. Cultural institutions include the Teatro Comunale dell'Aquila, conservatories affiliated with the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia exchanges, and collaborations with UNESCO on heritage promotion.
Administrative authority is exercised through the prefettura office in L'Aquila under the Ministry of the Interior (Italy), with local governance by elected mayors in municipalities such as L'Aquila and Avezzano and councils following statutory frameworks like the Italian Constitution. Coordination with regional government in Abruzzo and national agencies including Istat, Protezione Civile, and the Court of L'Aquila addresses planning, reconstruction, and public services; judicial matters link to tribunals and appellate jurisdictions in L'Aquila and nearby cities such as Sulmona and Teramo.