City (pop., 2001 prelim.: 63,121), capital of the Abruzzi region, central Italy.
The area was settled by the Sabini, an ancient Italic tribe, and the city was founded с 1240. After being ruled by the Kingdom of Naples, it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. Located near the mountains of Gran Sasso d'Italia, it is a skiing centre and summer resort. Historic sites include a 14th-century cathedral and a 16th-century castle.