Laurino
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.jpg/600px-Panorama_Laurino_(lato_ovest).jpg)
| Comune di Laurino | |
|---|---|
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Province | Salerno (SA) |
| Elevation | 531 m (1,742 ft) |
| Area | 69 km² (27 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| - Total | 1,950 |
| - Density | 28/km² (73/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | Laurinesi |
| Dialing code | 0974 |
| Postal code | 84057 |
| Frazioni | Villa Littorio, Pruno |
| Patron | Sant'Eliena di Laurino |
| - Day | 22 May |
| Website: http://www.comune.laurino.sa.it/ | |
Laurino is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy.
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[edit] Geography
Laurino is a typical medieval hill town of the Cilento, the southernmost part of Campania. It dominates the surrounding landscape, overlooking the Calore lucano river, which is crossed by two medieval bridges; Laurino was once known as the "pearl of the Calore". The river flows through the Cilento national park from its source up on Monte Cervati; it is known for the wildlife it attracts, such as European otters. There are many laurel trees in the area, which probably gave their name to the village via the Latin Laurus or Laurinus.
[edit] History
The settlement goes back to pre-Christian times. In the 12th century the total population excedeed 20,000, spread between the main town and five surrounding villages. However Laurino was destroyed by the troops of Frederick III of Sicily during the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282-1302).
Due to migration in recent decades toward the north in search for employment, the current population is just under 2000.
[edit] Sights
There are many reminders of past glories in Laurino, from the ruins of the ducal palace to the frescos and wooden carvings of the main church, Santa Maria Maggiore. Today the place is known for its natural environment, and initiatives such as the Jazz in Laurino festival in August.
[edit] See also
- Pruno Cilento, the biggest forest of the Cilento
[edit] Notes and references
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This article does not cite any references or sources. (March 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
[edit] External links
- Laurino.info Photoblog
Media related to Laurino from the Wikimedia Commons.
