L'Aquila set to succeed Agrigento as new culture capital. L'Aquila, the city devastated by the massive earthquake that struck the central Abruzzo region 16 years ago, will take up its role as Italian Capital of Culture 2026. Italy's president Sergio Mattarella will officially launch L'Aquila as Capitale Italiana della Cultura 2026 with a ceremony in the city on 17 January. Over the course of 2026, hundreds of cultural events will take place in L'Aquila which won the coveted culture capital status with its bid titled Un territorio, mille capitali. Full details of L'Aquila's cultural programme for 2026 can be found on the official website. Where is L'Aquila?