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 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