Mattinata
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| Comune di Mattinata | |
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 Municipal coat of arms |
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Puglia |
| Province | Foggia (FG) |
| Mayor | Angelo Iannotta |
| Elevation | 80 m (262 ft) |
| Area | 72 km² (28 sq mi) |
| Population (as of Dec 31, 2004) | |
| - Total | 6,445 |
| - Density | 90/km² (233/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | Mattinatesi |
| Dialing code | 0884 |
| Postal code | 71030 |
| Patron | Our Lady of Light |
| - Day | September 15 |
| Website: www.comune.mattinata.fg.it | |
Mattinata is a famous holiday resort municipality in the Apulia region.
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[edit] History
The first humans to settle in the area were tribes of Eastern European origin, mainly from Greece and the Balkans, which populated the surrounding lands since the 5th century BC. The origins of the name Mattinata can be traced back to the Roman village of Matinum, which was located near the current sea port in the first century AD. Relatively few traces of the Roman settlement can still be found. The modern town is the result of the direct immigration of citizens from Monte Sant'Angelo over different centuries, which administered the town until 1954, year of its independence as a municipality.
[edit] Geography
Mattinata is part of the Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano). The urban area is mainly located around two hills of low height, surrounded by mountains in the northern, western and southern side. On the east the town faces a plain of olive trees plantations ending towards the Adriatic sea. The coastal side heading north towards Vieste is famous for its beauty, due to its white cliffs made of chalks and its large number of sea caves. The area surrounding Mattinata is a popular destination for botanical experts, due to the existence of around 60 different species of orchids.
[edit] Economy
The economy of Mattinata is mostly based on services and, to a lesser extent, on farming and livestock. Tourism plays an important role in the community. Farm products include olives, almonds and figs. Livestock consists mainly of cattle and goats.
[edit] Gallery
[edit] External links
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