Francavilla al Mare
Francavilla al Mare | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Francavilla al Mare | |
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Location of Francavilla al Mare  | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Province | Chieti (CH) |
| Frazioni | Arenaro, Castelvecchio, Cese, Cetti San Biagio, Coderuto, Fontechiaro, Foro, Michetti, Piane, Piane di Vallebona, Piattelli, Pretaro, Quercianotarrocco, San Giovanni, Santa Cecilia, Setteventi, Torre Ciarrapico, Valle Anzuca, Villanesi |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Antonio Luciani (PD) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 23 km2 (9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Population (30 September 2012)[2] | |
| • Total | 23,879 |
| • Density | 1,000/km2 (2,700/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Francavillesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 66023 |
| Dialing code | 085 |
| ISTAT code | 069035 |
| Patron saint | San Franco |
| Saint day | 18 August |
| Website | Official website |
Francavilla a Mare (Italian: [ˌfraŋkaˈvilla a ˈmaːre]) is a comune and town in the Province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy.
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History
Ancient era and Medieval period
The area was inhabited since prehistory, and early remains have been found at St. Cecilia. In 1162 the village was granted immunity from taxes for 12 years, and this episode also gave origin to the name "Francavilla" (meaning "free town").
XVI century and the Turkish attack
The harbour was a flourishing commercial key point in the Adriatic Sea, but in the 16th century was plundered by Turkish troops. The town was held by families such as the Caracciolo and D'Avalos in the following centuries.
XIX century: D'Annunzio and Michetti
In the late 19th century Francavilla was already a well known seaside resort and the seat of an artistic literary circle with relevant figures as Francesco Paolo Michetti, Gabriele D'Annunzio, F.P. Tosti, who met at the "Conventino", in the former monastery of Santa Maria di Gesù.
In 1944 the center was destroyed by Americans and Nazi. Only Michetti convent is conserved between the city is totally built from new.
Main sights
- Michetti convent
- Michetti Museum
- Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Sirena Palace
References
- ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
External links
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