Calamonaci
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| Calamonaci | |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms |
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Province of Agrigento (AG) |
| Mayor | Gioacchino Guddemi |
| Elevation | 307 m (1,007 ft) |
| Area | 32.6 km² (13 sq mi) |
| Population (as of Dec. 2004) | |
| - Total | 1,468 |
| - Density | 45/km² (117/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | calamonacesi |
| Dialing code | 0925 |
| Postal code | 92010 |
| Patron | Vincent Ferrer |
| Website: www.comune.calamonaci.ag.it/ | |
Calamonaci is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Agrigento in the Italian region Sicily, located about 70 km south of Palermo and about 35 km northwest of Agrigento. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,468 and an area of 32.6 km².[1]
Typical of the agriculture is the cultivation of almonds, olives, grapes, honey, citrus fruits, and a specific variety of extra virgin olive oil called "biancolilla". Cattle breeding and apiculture are flourishing. Also very characteristic are the local handicraft objects, such as brooms, bread baskets, and the so called "coffe" (big hand-woven wicker baskets).
The name Calamonaci derives from the Arab term Kal-at-Munach, meaning "pit stop farm house", because anciently it used to be a station where diligences changed their horses. The first center was founded approximately during the XIII century by the Arabs, who built a farm house.
In 1278, it was bestowed by King Giacomo of Aragona to Lord Berengario de Villaragut. Afterwards, it belonged respectively to the Inveges Barons and to the noble Perollo family from Sciacca, and it was always uninhabited.
The current urban structure was created during 1574, thanks to nobleman Antonio De Termini who achieved the appropriate "licenti populandi".
Afterwards, the feud became property of Lord Vespasiano De Spuches, and then seat of the Montaperto of Raffadali Barons. In 1812, the town became autonomous when feudality was abolished.
The Chiesa Madre dedicated to Saint Vincenzo Ferreri, erected as of 1580, and the small Convento dei Carmelitani (Convent of the Carmelitani), erected during 1600 and only partially visible to this day, are both of remarkable architectural interest.
The patron saint of the commune is Saint Vincent Ferrer.
Calamonaci borders the following municipalities: Bivona, Caltabellotta, Lucca Sicula, Ribera, Villafranca Sicula.
[edit] Demographic evolution
[edit] References
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