Following the huge success of the first edition, “L’Aquila Città di Montagna”—the event celebrating the capital of Abruzzo and its mountainous surroundings—returns to Piazza Duomo in L’Aquila from October 23 to 26.
Discover everything that awaits you at “L’Aquila Città di Montagna 2025”: sports, nature, gatherings, performances, and many experiences set against the backdrop of mountain peaks and worlds to explore together.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
: Opening Ceremony with Official Remarks
6:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“Gran Sasso D’inCANTO” Concert – Choirs and Choral Groups from Our Mountains
Five choirs in concert to kick off the second edition of “L’Aquila Città di Montagna”: Schola Cantorum S. Sisto, CAI L’Aquila Choir, Corale Gran Sasso, Coro della Portella, and Corale Novantanove L’Aquila
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
: Village opens in Piazza Duomo
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., today only, activities reserved for students of educational institutions.
Free Activities
Downhill ski runs on Neveplast, accompanied by ski instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Cross-country ski trails on Neveplast, accompanied by cross-country instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Climbing wall, with instructors from the Army Military Command “Abruzzo Molise”
Bike School Area, with Bike instructors and guides
Pump Track, with Bike instructors and guides
Fitness Walk on a Treadmill, with coaches from Fisicamente
Book Corner, in collaboration with “Il Cercalibro”
Educational Area: an indoor classroom dedicated to events in the “Villaggio in Città”
How to Participate: Free activities—no reservation required
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Mountain Market
Themed Market featuring booths dedicated to businesses specializing in sports, mountain apparel, traditional crafts, and the mountain industry.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event; no reservation required
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Carabinieri Booth
“L’Aquila in Your Pocket” E-Bike Tour
A guided tour of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, led by a tour guide and Gianluca Nappo, “I Am Giappo,” a cultural ambassador and promoter of L’Aquila. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
High-Altitude Dialogues: “Nezabudka—The Flower of the 8,000”
Guests: Denis Urubko, mountaineer
Moderator: Antonio Massena, journalist
How to participate: Free admission, subject to availability
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Park Auditorium – 16th-Century Castle Park
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
: Yoga for Climbing
Surrounded by the monuments of the historic center and the silence of the morning, a yoga class dedicated to rock climbing.
Instructor: Sara di Francia
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“Laghetti and the Ruins of Campo Imperatore” Hike
A guided hike led by a mid-mountain guide from the Abruzzo Region through the ruins and small lakes of Campo Imperatore, to discover unique trails and fascinating stories in the heart of the Gran Sasso.
How to participate: This is a free event; reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
, Racollo Mountain Hut
“L’Aquila in Your Pocket” E-Bike Tour
A guided tour of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, led by a tour guide and Gianluca Nappo, “I Am Giappo,” a cultural ambassador and promoter of L’Aquila. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Mountains of L’Aquila” E-Bike Tour
An e-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide to explore the mountains surrounding the city and L’Aquila’s breathtaking views. An experience that takes you through nature, small villages, and local points of interest. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Villages of Gran Sasso” E-Bike Tour
E-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide through ancient villages: we’ll set off from Santo Stefano di Sessanio and continue on to Viano, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Calascio, and Rocca Calascio, discovering narrow streets, scenic views, stories, and timeless atmospheres. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Santo Stefano di Sessanio
“On the Road” Road Bike Tour
Road bike tour in the Vasto and Valle Subequana area. An experience designed for women—and others—to share a passion for sports and explore the region. Bike not included.
Guide: Ilaria Ianni
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Opening of the village in Piazza Duomo
Free Activities
Downhill ski runs on Neveplast, accompanied by ski instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Cross-country ski trails on Neveplast, accompanied by cross-country ski instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Climbing wall, with instructors from the Army Military Command “Abruzzo Molise”
Bike School Area, with Bike instructors and guides
Pump Track, with Bike instructors and guides
Fitness Walk on a Treadmill, with coaches from Fisicamente
Book Corner, in collaboration with “Il Cercalibro”
Educational Area: an indoor classroom dedicated to events in the “Villaggio in Città”
How to Participate: Free activities—no reservation required
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Mountain Market
Themed Market featuring booths dedicated to businesses specializing in sports, mountain apparel, traditional crafts, and the mountain industry.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
Boulder Contest: Fabrizio Lepidi Memorial – SENIOR Qualifiers
How to Participate: Competition with mandatory pre-registration by Monday, October 20, via email at elcap.indoorclimbing@gmail.com
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The CAI Italy Trail” and “The Path Through the Vestini”
Event dedicated to “I nuovi Cammini,” organized by USRA and USRC.
How to participate: Free event; no reservation required
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
Bike Show
MTB and BMX freestyle show by the IDLTOUR team, featuring airbag landings.
How to participate: This is a free event open to the public.
11:20 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Bike Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Carabinieri Booth
Punto Libro: “Tales of the Gran Sasso”
Curated by Stefano Ardito, journalist and writer.
How to participate: This event is free and open to the public.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“L’Aquila in Your Pocket” E-Bike Tour
A guided tour of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, led by a tour guide and Gianluca Nappo, “I Am Giappo,” a cultural ambassador and promoter of L’Aquila. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Mountains of L’Aquila” E-Bike Tour
An e-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide to explore the mountains surrounding the city and L’Aquila’s breathtaking views. An experience that takes you through nature, small villages, and local points of interest. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Live Folk Music with “I Folkavacca”
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Main Stage
Punto Libro: “Tales of the Gran Sasso”
Curated by Stefano Ardito, journalist and writer.
How to participate: This event is free and open to the public.
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
Bike Show
MTB and BMX freestyle show by the IDLTOUR team, featuring airbag landings.
How to participate: This is a free event open to the public.
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Bike Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Carabinieri Booth
“The Upper Aterno Valley Trail” and “The Baronia Trail”
Event dedicated to “I nuovi Cammini,” organized by USRA and USRC
How to participate: Free event; no reservation required
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
High-Altitude Dialogues: “Patagonia”
Guests: Matteo Della Bordella, mountaineer and climber
Stefano Ardito, journalist
Host: Antonio Massena, journalist
How to attend: Free admission, subject to availability
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
, Sala Ipogea – Palazzo dell’Emiciclo, Villa Comunale
Screening of the documentary film: “Odyssea Borealis” by Alessandro Beltrame
Guests: Matteo Della Bordella, mountaineer and climber
How to attend: Free admission, subject to availability
7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
, Sala Ipogea – Palazzo dell’Emiciclo, Villa Comunale
“Urban Trekking Night in Silent System”
A fitness walk through the heart of L’Aquila’s historic center, offering an active and healthy way to experience the city. Thanks to wireless headphones, participants will be guided through an immersive experience combining exercise, music, and urban exploration.
How to Participate: Free event; reservations required
7:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Bouldering Contest: Fabrizio Lepidi Memorial – SENIOR Finals
How to Participate: The contest is open only to participants; viewing is open to the public
9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26,
Boulder Contest: Fabrizio Lepidi Memorial – JUNIOR Qualifiers
How to Participate: Competition with mandatory pre-registration by Monday, October 20, via email at elcap.indoorclimbing@gmail.com
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“La Piana del Voltigno” Hike
A guided hike with a mid-mountain guide from the Abruzzo Region to explore the Piana del Voltigno, a plateau nestled within the Gran Sasso National Park. An experience featuring breathtaking views, untamed nature, and the silence that captures the true essence of the mountains.
How to Participate: Free event; reservations required
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Castel del Monte
“L’Aquila in Your Pocket” E-Bike Tour
A guided tour of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, led by a tour guide and Gianluca Nappo, “I Am Giappo,” a cultural ambassador and promoter of L’Aquila. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Mountains of L’Aquila” E-Bike Tour
An e-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide to explore the mountains surrounding the city and L’Aquila’s breathtaking views. An experience that takes you through nature, small villages, and local points of interest. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Villages of Gran Sasso” E-Bike Tour
E-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide through ancient villages: we’ll set off from Santo Stefano di Sessanio and continue on to Viano, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Calascio, and Rocca Calascio, discovering narrow streets, scenic views, stories, and timeless atmospheres. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Santo Stefano di Sessanio
“On the Road” Road Bike Tour
Road bike tour in the Vasto and Valle Subequana area. An experience designed for women—and others—to share a passion for sports and explore the region. Bike not included.
Guide: Ilaria Ianni
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“Enduro Valle del Vasto” Bike and E-Bike Tour
Mountain bike or e-bike route between Madonna Fore, Colle Brincioni, Coppi di Aragno, and the Vasto Valley, with views of the Gran Sasso. Bike not included; rentals available.
Guide: Carlo Geraci (Attitude Store)
How to Participate: Free event; reservations required
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Opening of the village in Piazza Duomo
Free Activities
Downhill ski runs on Neveplast, accompanied by ski instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Cross-country ski trails on Neveplast, accompanied by cross-country instructors from the Abruzzo Region
Climbing wall, with instructors from the Army Military Command “Abruzzo Molise”
Bike School Area, with Bike instructors and guides
Pump Track, with Bike instructors and guides
Fitness Walk on a Treadmill, with coaches from Fisicamente
Book Corner, in collaboration with “Il Cercalibro”
Educational Area: an indoor classroom dedicated to events in the “Villaggio in Città”
How to Participate: Free activities—no reservation required
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Mountain Market
Themed Market featuring booths dedicated to businesses specializing in sports, mountain apparel, traditional crafts, and the mountain industry.
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
, Corso Vittorio Emanuele
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“The City Walls” and “Celestino’s Great Path”
Event dedicated to “I nuovi Cammini,” organized by USRA and USRC
How to participate: Free event; no reservation required
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
Bike Show
MTB and BMX freestyle show by the IDLTOUR team, featuring airbag landings.
How to participate: This is a free event open to the public.
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Bike Area
Montanus – “Exploring the Mountains Through Bikepacking”: The Art of Bikepacking
An introductory workshop dedicated to bikepacking and exploring the mountains by bike.
Francesco and Giorgio from Montanus will delve into the fundamental principles of this activity: from preparing and setting up your bike to choosing the essential gear needed to tackle routes independently at high altitudes.
During the workshop, Montanus’s new video on the Cascade Mountains in Oregon will be screened.
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Carabinieri Booth
“L’Aquila in Your Pocket” E-Bike Tour
A guided tour of the city’s most iconic monuments and landmarks, led by a tour guide and Gianluca Nappo, “I Am Giappo,” a cultural ambassador and promoter of L’Aquila. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“The Mountains of L’Aquila” E-Bike Tour
An e-bike tour led by an expert cycling guide to explore the mountains surrounding the city and L’Aquila’s breathtaking views. An experience that takes you through nature, small villages, and local points of interest. E-bike included.
How to participate: This is a free event, but reservations are required.
2:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
Pump Track Contest
A time trial on the Pump Track course, where technique, balance, and speed come together in an adrenaline-pumping experience.
How to Participate: The contest is open to the public; sign up at the Bike area in Piazza Duomo
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Bike Area, Pump Track
“The Path of the Mountains and Saints” and “The Franciscan Trail”
Event dedicated to “I nuovi Cammini,” organized by USRA and USRC
How to participate: Free event; no reservation required
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
Bike Show
MTB and BMX freestyle show by the IDLTOUR team, featuring airbag landings.
How to participate: This is a free event open to the public.
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Bike Area
Boulder Contest: Fabrizio Lepidi Memorial – JUNIOR Finals
How to Participate: The contest is open only to participants; viewing is open to the public
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo
“Enjoying the Mountains Safely”
Snow Science, provided by the Meteomont service of the Carabinieri Forestali
Use of the A.R.T.VA., provided by the Alpine Rescue Service of the Guardia di Finanza (S.A.G.F.)
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Educational Area
“Playing with Nature”
Educational activities and workshops for children to explore local plants and wildlife.
Prepared by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit
How to Participate: Free event—no reservation required
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
, Piazza Duomo – Carabinieri Booth