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Welcome to L'Aquila

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Welcome to L’Aquila

Discover our city

Welcome to L’Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region in central Italy and a unique place to study, make music and discover Italian culture.

Founded in the thirteenth century and situated at approximately 720 metres above sea level, L’Aquila lies in the Aterno Valley, surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Apennines and the Gran Sasso mountain range.

The city combines a rich historical and artistic heritage with a lively cultural scene, a welcoming community and easy access to some of the most beautiful natural areas in central Italy.

In 2026, L’Aquila is the Italian Capital of Culture, offering an especially rich programme of cultural events and opportunities to explore the city's artistic identity.

Discover more:

Study and make music in L’Aquila

The “Alfredo Casella” Conservatoire of Music welcomes international students who wish to study in L’Aquila, take part in an Erasmus+ exchange or undertake a traineeship.

The Conservatoire offers an environment in which musical education, artistic practice and international cooperation come together.

How to get to L’Aquila

L’Aquila is located approximately 100 km from Rome and can be reached by bus or car.

By plane and bus

The most convenient option for many international students is to fly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) and take a direct bus to L’Aquila.

We do not recommend travelling from Rome to L’Aquila by train, as the railway journey is less direct and generally takes longer than travelling by bus.

Two bus operators provide connections between Rome's airports and L’Aquila:

  • Gaspari Bus – direct connections from Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Check timetables and purchase tickets online.
  • FlixBus – check available routes, departure points, timetables and tickets for journeys to L’Aquila.

Bus services, routes and departure times may vary depending on the date. We strongly recommend booking your ticket in advance and checking the departure airport terminal carefully.

By bus from Rome

If you arrive in Rome by train or are already staying in the city, you can travel to L’Aquila by bus from Rome Tiburtina bus station.

Available operators include:

Please note that different operators may arrive at different locations in L’Aquila. Check your ticket and arrange onward transport to your accommodation accordingly.

Local public transport

For information about local bus routes, timetables and connections within L’Aquila, consult:

Accommodation and student services

Students are encouraged to arrange accommodation well in advance, particularly before the beginning of the academic year.

Possible options include private rooms in shared apartments, independent accommodation and student residences. Availability, prices and eligibility conditions should be checked directly with each provider.

Useful resources include:

Please note that accommodation and student services offered by other institutions may have specific eligibility requirements and may not automatically be available to Conservatoire students.

When choosing where to stay, consider the distance from the Conservatoire, public transport connections and the facilities available in the surrounding area.

International student community

Moving to a new country is also an opportunity to meet new people and take part in local activities.

International students may find the following resource useful:

Please check directly with the organisation for current activities and available services.

Discover the city and its surroundings

L’Aquila's historic centre offers many opportunities to explore Italian architecture, art and history. Among its landmarks are Piazza Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, the Basilica of San Bernardino and the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle.

The city is also an excellent starting point for discovering the natural environment of Abruzzo. The Gran Sasso massif, Campo Imperatore and the surrounding protected areas offer opportunities for walking, hiking and winter sports, depending on the season and weather conditions.

Students can discover local traditions, regional cuisine, museums, concerts and cultural events throughout the year.

Useful links:

Practical information

Healthcare and insurance

Before travelling, make sure you have appropriate health coverage for the entire period of your stay. Students from EU countries should check the validity and conditions of use of their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Students from non-EU countries should verify the healthcare and insurance requirements applicable to their circumstances.

Documents and residence requirements

Entry, visa and residence requirements depend on nationality, the length of the stay and the purpose of the visit. Students should consult the relevant Italian diplomatic or consular authorities before travelling and complete any required formalities within the applicable deadlines.

For general information about Italy, consult the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Viaggiare Sicuri portal.

Emergencies

The European emergency number is 112.

In an emergency, provide your location and explain the nature of the situation as clearly as possible.

Tourist information

For information about monuments, events, itineraries and visitor services, consult the official QUILAQUILA tourism portal.

Useful links at a glance

We look forward to welcoming you!

We hope your time in L’Aquila will be an enriching experience, both musically and personally. Studying in a new country is an opportunity to develop your artistic skills, meet people from different backgrounds and discover new perspectives.

The “Alfredo Casella” Conservatoire looks forward to welcoming you and wishes you a rewarding stay in L’Aquila