| Francavilla al Mare | |
|---|---|
| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Francavilla al Mare | |
| Francavilla al Mare | |
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Francavilla al Mare
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Province | Chieti (CH) |
| Frazioni | Arenaro, Castelvecchio, Cese, Cetti San Biagio, Coderuto, Fontechiaro, Foro, Michetti, Piane, Piane di Vallebona, Piattelli, Pretaro, Quercianotarrocco, San Giovanni, Santa Cecilia, Setteventi, Torre Ciarrapico, Valle Anzuca, Villanesi |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Antonio Luciani |
| Area | |
| • Total | 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Population (31 March 2009)[1] | |
| • Total | 24,681 |
| • Density | 1,073.1/km2 (2,779.3/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Francavillesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 66023 |
| Dialing code | 085 |
| Patron saint | San Franco |
| Saint day | 18 August |
| Website | Official website |
Francavilla al Mare is a comune and town in the Province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of Italy The area was inhabited since prehistory, and early remains have been found at St. Cecilia. In 1162 the village was granted immunity from all taxations for 12 years, and this episode also gave origin to the name "Francavilla" (Latin, meaning free town). The harbour was a flourishing commercial key point in the Adriatic Sea, but in the 16th century was plundered by Turkish troops. It was under such important families as the Caracciolo and D'Avalos. In the late 19th century was already a well known seaside resort and the seat of an artistic literary circle with relevant figures as F.P. Michetti, G. D'Annunzio, F.P. Tosti, who met at the "Conventino", in the former monastery of Santa Maria di Gesù.