L'Aquila: Electric Shuttle Tour of Historic Center & Landmarks

Summary

Electric shuttle through L'Aquila’s streets with stops at basilicas, fountains, piazzas and local stories

You’ll ride an electric shuttle through L’Aquila’s historic center with a local guide who shares stories behind basilicas, fountains, and city squares. Step off to explore iconic churches or just soak up daily life as you glide past monuments old and new. A gentle pace lets you notice details most travelers miss — maybe even find your own favorite corner.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the edge of my seat — not because I was nervous, but because the electric shuttle in L’Aquila started up so quietly I almost missed it. Our guide, Marco (who wore this faded blue scarf that looked older than me), waved us on from the steps of the Church of the Holy Souls. He told us to “watch our heads” as we ducked inside. The air was chilly but smelled faintly sweet, like roasted chestnuts drifting in from somewhere nearby. We set off through cobbled lanes that felt both grand and a little battered — you can see where old meets new after all those earthquakes.

Marco pointed out the Basilica and its Holy Door — he said people come from all over for it during Jubilee years. We got to hop out and wander inside for a few minutes; I remember running my hand along one of the stone columns (cold, rough). There was this moment when everyone just went quiet looking up at the ceiling — even two kids stopped fidgeting. Then back on board, rolling past Villa Comunale with its Hemicycle Palace half-hidden by trees. Marco joked about how locals always debate if it’s beautiful or just odd. At the Luminous Fountain stop, I tried to snap a photo but mostly caught my own reflection in the glass.

The Church of San Silvestro was next — we could get out again there if we wanted. I hung back for a second watching an old woman cross herself before going in; she smiled at me like she knew I was hesitating. The city feels lived-in but not showy about it, you know? We passed more buildings Marco called “wounded but proud.” He had a way of saying things that made you look twice at ordinary corners.

Piazza del Duomo came up faster than I expected — suddenly we were surrounded by voices and pigeons and that late afternoon light bouncing off pale stone. It wasn’t flashy or dramatic, just kind of quietly moving. I still think about how peaceful that last stretch felt before we stepped off and scattered into our own directions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Electric shuttle tour of L'Aquila

• Meet at the church of the Holy Souls
• Tour passes municipal villa and Hemicycle Palace
• Stop to visit Basilica and Holy Door
• Stop to visit basilica interior
• Pass by the Luminous Fountain
• Stop to visit Church of San Silvestro
• Pass by notable building exterior
• Stop to visit fountain
• Return to Piazza del Duomo

Top questions

Is the electric shuttle tour of L'Aquila wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Where does the sightseeing tour in L'Aquila start?

The tour begins at the Church of the Holy Souls in L'Aquila's historic center.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this electric shuttle tour.

Are there stops where we can get off during the shuttle ride?

Yes, you can get off to visit places like the Basilica, Holy Door, San Silvestro Church, and fountains.

How long is each stop during the day trip in L'Aquila?

The exact timing isn’t specified but there is time to enter churches and see monuments at several stops.

Is this sightseeing tour suitable for young children or infants?

Yes, infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

Does this day trip include a local guide?

A local tour leader is included onboard to share stories and guide you through each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided electric shuttle ride through L’Aquila’s historic center with plenty of chances to hop off and explore basilicas or fountains up close; there’s always a friendly local guide onboard making sure everyone feels welcome and safe from start to finish.