Arsoli

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comune di Arsoli
Coat of arms of Comune di Arsoli
Municipal coat of arms
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Lazio
Province Rome
Mayor Claudio Bruni (since June 2004)
Elevation 470 m (1,542 ft)
Area 12 km² (5 sq mi)
Population (as of 2001)
 - Total 1,537
 - Density 128/km² (332/sq mi)
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 42°02′N, 13°01′E
Gentilic
Dialing code 0774
Postal code 00023
 - Day December 23

Arsoli is a town and commune in the province of Rome, central Italy.

Arsoli, dominated by its castle
Arsoli, dominated by its castle

[edit] History

Arsoli was mentioned first in AD 997. The narrow ancient streets of the picturesquely sited and massed medieval centre are still preserved, as well as the castello, once a possession of the Benedictine Order; it dates from the eleventh century. The castle is built at the end of a spur, overlooking Arsoli on one side and extending formal gardens on the other. four frescoed rooms on the piano nobile are flanked by guardrooms hung with arms and armor and family portraits: it has been in the possession of the Massimo family, who take their title of principi d'Arsoli from this rocca, which has been in their possession since it was purchased by Fabrizio Massimo in 1574.[1] He commissioned Giacomo Della Porta to remodel the church and commissioned the construction of an aqueduct to supplement inadequate wells, for the abundant springs of Arsoli have been tapped to serve the city of Rome since 600 BC, when Ancus Marcius built an aqueduct.

The fair held on St. Bartholomew's Day at Arsoli is one of the oldest attested fairs of the region.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ The three hundredth anniversary of the Massimo presencec at Ascoli was celebrated with festivities in 1874, according to information provided by Prince Massimo to Tryphosa Bates Batcheller, Italian Castles and Country Seats 1911:442f.

[edit] External links