Avezzano once lay on the shores of the largest lake in peninsular Italy , Lake Fucino , which was drained in the late 19th century . After the draining of the Lake , wide fields became available for cultivation and the area underwent terrific growth . It was completely destroyed by one of the worst recorded earthquakes in the history of Italy on the early morning of January 13 , 1915 with only Palazzi 's house and a wing of Orsini-Colonna castle spared . More than 30,000 people died . The town streets were then completely rebuilt along straight , parallel lines , with wide green areas and villas in the " Liberty " style
earthquakes
1915 Avezzano earthquake
Avezzano