What to see in Aielli with kids: the ultimate guide for traveling families
If you’re looking for a unique, family-friendly destination, Aielli with kids might be the perfect choice.
This small Abruzzese village is a perfect mix of art, nature, and historical curiosities that will delight both you and your kids. Get ready to explore an open-air museum, with extraordinary murals and plenty of activities for a day filled with fun and culture.
Let’s discover together what to see in Aielli with kids.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Where Aielli is and how to get there
Aielli is located in Abruzzo, in the heart of the Marsica area, about an hour and a half from Rome and not far from L’Aquila. This makes it perfect for a day trip or a stop during a longer journey. You can easily reach Aielli by car (Aielli-Celano highway exit) and find parking near the center.
This village, with its privileged position, used to reflect on the waters of Lake Fucino, which no longer exists today. This lake was once the third-largest in Italy (after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore), but now it’s gone. Instead, there are vast potato fields that have made the area famous—some say (and I can confirm after tasting them) that the world’s best potatoes are grown here. Abruzzese people, as you might know, love everything they make, but I can guarantee that Fucino potatoes are truly delicious.
The lake was drained by the will—and with the money—of Alessandro Raffaele Torlonia (if you want to know more, you can read about the draining of Lake Fucino on the official website). Torlonia and his family have also disappeared, much like the lake itself. It’s said that as the lake vanished from maps, the spirit of Fucino took revenge by erasing the Torlonia family from the pages of history.
As for the village, Aielli is quite compact, so once you’re there, you can easily explore Aielli with kids on foot without any trouble!
Quick note: Keep in mind that we’re in the mountains, so flat terrain is a rare sight.
Aielli has medieval roots, but in recent years it has gained fame for its murals and the Borgo Universo street art festival.
Keep reading to discover what makes Aielli so special, especially through the eyes of kids.
Why visit Aielli with kids?
Aielli is a safe, quiet place filled with attractions that even the youngest visitors will enjoy. From walking among colorful murals to a playground with the Italian Constitution “printed” on the wall, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s a place that invites you to reflect, play, and explore—all at the same time. To find out what you can’t miss in Aielli with kids, keep reading!
Aielli and its murals: a walk through art and colors
Walking through the streets of Aielli with kids feels like stepping into an open-air museum. Every corner tells a different story, painted on the walls by internationally renowned artists.
The most famous murals in Aielli
Here are the must-see murals:
- Illuminary Palace by Okuda San Miguel: A burst of colors and geometric shapes welcoming you at the entrance of the village. It was even listed among the 55 most beautiful murals in the world in 2019 by the art gallery Widewalls.
- Your Sky by Millo: Depicts a little girl tearing through a canvas of urban chaos, inviting you to rediscover the universe hidden beyond the routine.
- The Solar Tree by Sam: A tribute to the people of Aielli, symbolizing connection and deep roots.
- The surrealist work by AEC Interesni Kazki: Filled with symbols tied to Abruzzo’s history, this dreamlike piece captivates with its incredible details and enchanting style.
The mural dedicated to "The Divine Comedy"
This massive masterpiece is one of Aielli’s most famous works. Created by the artist Alleg, it’s a transcription of Dante’s verses, a piece that leaves both adults and kids in awe. Challenge your children to find words or hidden details as you stroll along this one-of-a-kind “page.”
We stopped for a while to read the most famous verses, and it was a great opportunity to introduce Dante to the kids.
When we visited, we had the privilege of enjoying the village all to ourselves. Aielli remains a charming, small Abruzzese village that, while beautiful, is still relatively unknown to most and off the radar of mass tourism.
This gave us the chance to run up and down the streets and turn our visit into a learning experience, incorporating some art and literature lessons. I’ve often written about how important it is for us to “learn on the road,” and even though we don’t follow a chronological order in our studies (but rather a geographical one), Aielli was an excellent classroom.
Events in Aielli: the Borgo Universo Festival
Every year, Aielli hosts the Borgo Universo street art festival, an event that transforms the village into an explosion of creativity and colors. During the festival, artists from around the world create new works, and the village comes alive with creative workshops for kids, concerts, and shows.
When did Borgo Universo, Aielli's most beloved festival for kids, begin?
Borgo Universo was born in 2017 as a festival of street art and astronomy, with the aim of narrating the town’s history and unique connection to the cosmos through public art. Since then, every year, new internationally renowned artists have been invited to paint new stories and visions on the walls, creating what we now call an “open-air museum.” This museum, spread across the village streets, is always open and accessible, featuring 40 murals, sculptures, and installations, with more being added each year.
If you’re planning to visit Aielli with kids during this period, I recommend booking in advance and setting aside enough time to fully immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere… or you could even join the many street artists camping out in tents!
For more information about schedules and dates, here’s the link to the official Borgo Universo. website.
Exploring nature: what to do in Aielli
Aielli is the perfect starting point to explore the natural beauty of Abruzzo:
- Panoramic trails: Family-friendly walks to discover the stunning landscapes of Marsica.
- The astronomical observatory: A magical experience under the stars, ideal for astronomy enthusiasts of all ages. The observatory is located at the top of the Torre delle Stelle, the highest point of Aielli, on a hill called Castello. This site was once part of a 13th-century fortified complex, surrounded by walls with shield-shaped rectangular towers. Its strategic position allowed visual contact with other towers in the Fucino area, ensuring communication in case of alarms. Today, it houses the “Torre delle Stelle” astronomical observatory, the Museum of the Sky, and a library with over 500 scientific volumes. The museum also features a planetarium capable of projecting 3,000 stars on a six-meter dome. In 1998, Aielli’s local government, supported by the Sirente-Velino Regional Park and the Abruzzo Region, initiated the tower’s restoration. With contributions from the “F. Angelitti” Union of Amateur Astronomers, the tower was chosen as the site for a Museum of the Sky, a scientific library and videotheque, and an astronomical observatory.
- The Italian Constitution in the playground. One of Aielli’s unique attractions is the playground featuring the full text of the Italian Constitution, printed using an innovative technique. The choice of a location dedicated to children highlights their role as the future of our country. Strolling through and reading some passages with your kids can be a special moment to reflect on the values that form the foundation of Italy.
What to see near Aielli in a day trip
If you feel like exploring further, here are some nearby destinations you can reach in a day:
- L’Aquila: Discover its historic center, the Spanish Fortress, and plenty of kid-friendly attractions. For more details about the capital of Abruzzo, check out this article: What to see in L’Aquila with kids.
- Ovindoli: Mountain adventures with hikes and snow activities (in winter).
- Stiffe Caves: A breathtaking experience featuring stalactites and underground waterfalls.
- Rocca Calascio: A magical hike to a fairy-tale-like fortress, perfect for little explorers. If you’d like to know more about this incredible fortress, head to this article: Rocca Calascio with kids.
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio: A medieval village frozen in time.
What to see in Aielli with kids: the observatory at Torre delle Stelle
Aielli is a surprising destination where art, history, and nature combine to create a special family experience.
For us, a key highlight was the Torre delle Stelle, an observatory that becomes a hub of astronomical discoveries for curious kids during the summer. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but we still had a lot of fun playing and running in the garden while learning a bit of astronomy.
One particularly fascinating feature for kids is the sundial. Aldo and Giulia enjoyed learning how to tell time from the markings on the ground. This installation also helps you figure out what major city in the world has exactly noon at the moment you’re looking at it (hard to explain but much easier to understand in person!).
At the foot of the Torre delle Stelle, we were lucky enough to see a temporary exhibition of wrought iron objects—all in complete solitude.
This little village truly enchanted us. My advice is to visit on a weekday to fully enjoy the magic and tranquility that its streets offer.
Aielli is a very small village—you definitely don’t need an itinerary to explore it. Just park your car, start walking, and discover its hidden murals.
Now it’s time to pack your bags and set off to discover this gem in Abruzzo.
And if you’ve already been, share in the comments what you loved most!
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