Palazzo Camponeschi, Baroque palace in L'Aquila, Italy.

Palazzo Camponeschi is a baroque palace in L'Aquila organized as a two-part complex with perpendicular wings connected together. Its facade displays ornate architectural details from the 19th century, creating the layered appearance visitors see today.

The palace began in the 15th century as residences of the Camponeschi family and later became the Camera Palace, serving as a hub of political matters. In 1596 the Jesuits opened the Aquilanum College within its walls, marking the start of higher education in the city.

The building serves as the home of the university's rectorate and administrative offices, continuing its role as a place of learning and decision-making. Walking through its spaces today, you see students and staff moving between offices, keeping the palace alive as a center of academic life.

The palace sits on Piazza Santa Margherita in the heart of L'Aquila and underwent major restoration work after earthquake damage in 2009. The central location makes it easy to reach on foot and the restored condition means you can see the building and its surroundings in good shape.

The 2009 earthquake left serious lesions in the load-bearing structures, and restoration began only in 2014, costing about 8 million euros. The building reopened to the public in 2017 as the seat of the university's rectorate. Look for the stone masonry at the base of the bell tower, a remnant of the original Camponeschi house.