The Archdiocese for L'Aquila 2026: a program of beauty, memory and

The Archdiocese for L'Aquila 2026: an integrated path of culture and spirituality

The Archdiocese of L'Aquila has presented the programme “The Archdiocese for L'Aquila 2026”, a year-long series of events tied to L'Aquila's designation as Italy's Capital of Culture 2026. The programme includes conferences, study days and a cycle focused on restorations and the history of local churches, emphasising beauty, memory and reconstruction.

The launch took place at the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences (via San Marciano) with Archbishop Mons. Antonio D'Angelo, municipal representatives and academics. The initiative aims to promote dialogue among the community, restoration professionals, art historians and scholars.

• 18 April 2026 – Study day "Crossing the Threshold of Beauty" with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi (Palazzo dell’Emiciclo), symbolically opening the calendar.
• "The Stones Tell" cycle – sessions on restoration work and the revival of churches such as Collemaggio, San Silvestro, Santa Margherita, San Pietro di Coppito and the cathedral of Saints Massimo and Giorgio.
• 2 May 2026 – Conference on the role of religious presence in the city.
• 1 June 2026 – Event dedicated to the spirituality of the Observance.
• 20 August 2026 – National conference on Celestine V and the culture of forgiveness.
• 28 August 2026 – Perdonanza 2026: Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça will open the Holy Door.
• 22 August and 12 September 2026 – Further historical and pastoral meetings on local themes (San Vittorino and the saints of the Amiternine Church).
• December 2026 – Conference on Celestine and Francis along the Via del Perdono and the closing session of "The Stones Tell" cycle focused on the Aquila cathedral.

The programme, also organised by the Higher Institute of Religious Sciences, is designed as a coherent path of knowledge and reappropriation of the city's religious and identity heritage, linking material recovery to cultural revival.