The City of L’Aquila (Italy) and the Recovery of Its History at the Dawn of the April 6, 2009, Earthquake: A Narrative of Urban Nostalgia

This paper examines the city of L'Aquila, the capital of the Abruzzo region in Italy, and the profound sense of nostalgia experienced by its citizens following the catastrophic earthquake of April 6, 2009. This seismic event displaced residents and resulted in widespread destruction, leading to a critical reassessment of the city’s historical narrative. While grappling with loss, citizens engaged in a collective effort to reclaim their cultural heritage, which included rediscovering abandoned urban structures, commemorating significant historical figures, and reviving the mythic narrative surrounding the city’s foundation attributed to Emperor Frederick II. This phenomenon raises vital questions regarding the relationship between trauma and collective memory. The foundation of L’Aquila in 1254, characterized by intentional urban design, has historically been linked to a prestigious imperial legacy that citizens sought to reaffirm in times of crisis. This study employs a historical-anthropological framework, analyzing testimonials from various periods, predominantly the 16th and 17th centuries, to illustrate how urban inhabitants have constructed and maintained their memory through cultural associations aimed at preserving their identity and heritage.