Fonni

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Comune di Fonni
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Sardinia
Province	Nuoro (NU)
Mayor

Elevation	1,000 m
Area	112.30 km²
Population
- Total	4,371
- Density	38.92/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	40°07′N 09°15′E
Gentilic	Fonnesi
Dialing code	0784
Postal code	08023

Patron	St. John the Baptist
- Day	June 24
Website: www.fonni.net

Fonni is a town in Sardinia, in the province of Nuoro (Italy).

It is the highest town in Sardinia, and situated among fine scenery with some chestnut woods. Fonni is a winter sports centre with a ski lift to Monte Spada and Bruncu Spina.

1 History
2 Main sights
3 Costumes
4 See also

[edit] History

The term "Fonni" probably derives from the Latin "fons" that it means Fontain or also "God of the sources". In fact the village counts numerous spring fountains.

[edit] Main sights

San Giovanni Battista.

Fonni's territory is home to the very important Sanctuary of the Vergine dei Martirifrom the 18th century which is a destination for pilgrims right next to the Franciscans Convent. The church was built in 1708 in Baroque style and contains some curious paintings by local artists.

Another important church built in the 11th century is the Patron Saint church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the oldest section of the village also known as "Su Piggiu".

A little to the south of Fonni stood the Roman station of Sorabile, mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary as situated some 100 km from Caralis on the road to Olbia. Excavations made in 1879 and 1880 led to the discovery of the remains of this station, arranged round three sides of a courtyard some roo ft. square, including traces of baths and other buildings, and a massive embanking wall above them, some 150 ft. in length, to protect them from landslips, while a discharge certificate (tabula honestae missionis) of sailors who had served in the Ravenna's fleet was found in some ruins here or hereabouts. Near Fonni, too, are several menhirs (called pietre celtiche in the district) and other prehistoric remains like nuraghes.

[edit] Costumes

The local costumes are extremely picturesque, and are well seen on the day of St John the Baptist, the patron saint. The men's costume is similar to that worn in the district generally; the linen trousers are long and black gaiters are worn. The women wear a white chemise; over that a very small corselet, and over that a red jacket with blue and black velvet facings. The skirt is brown above and red below, with a blue band between the two colours; it is accordion-pleated. Two identical skirts are often worn, one above the other. The unmarried girls wear white kerchiefs, the married women black.