[1][2] It is a notable example of 16th century architecture combining Greek, Latin and Christian influences, divided into three orders, consisting of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian styles.

Pope Nicholas V canonized St Bernardine of Siena 6 years after his death, after which time the citizens of Aquila erected the Basilica in honor of his life with the help of his Aquilan disciples, John from Capestrano and James della Marca.

The site chosen was situated between the San Salvatore hospital and the now defunct church of Sant'Alò, to the east of the junction of Via Roma with the Corso Vittorio Emanuele in the heart of the town,[9] close to the eastern walls of the Santa Maria quarter.

[10] The work on this portion of the Basilica was concluded in 1472 with the erection of the cupola, which allowed the relocation of the corpse of St Bernardino inside the dedicated chapel.

[5][11] In 1724 Ferdinando Mosca made the magnificent wooden ceiling which was painted by Girolamo Cenatiempo, who was also the painter of frescos in the chapel hosting the saint's mausoleum.

In April 2009, another violent earthquake hit L'Aquila, which damaged the apsis of the cathedral, destroying part of the bell tower, and the cupola, the longitudinal walls and adjacent cloister were subjected to problems.

[12] The day of the earthquake, the president of group Montepaschi Siena, Giuseppe Mussari, guaranteed live on TV a huge loan to permit the restoration work of the basilica.

The church is located over a monumental staircase which originates from Piazza Bariscianello to the basilica, establishing a fantastic point of view for the people arriving from via Fortebraccio.

The lunette includes a Silvestro dell'Aquila's high relief illustrating Madonna with child between Francesco d'Assisi and Bernardino da Siena.

Today the central nave has an exquisite wooden lacunar ceiling carving, painting and gilding by Ferdinando Mosca da Pescocostanzo (1723-1727]), who also made the magnificent pipe organ.