| Laurino | |
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| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Laurino | |
| Panoramic view of Laurino | |
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Laurino
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Campania |
| Province | Salerno (SA) |
| Frazioni | Villa Littorio, Pruno |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Romano Gregorio |
| Area | |
| • Total | 69 km2 (26.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 531 m (1,742 ft) |
| Population (1 December 2009) | |
| • Total | 1,758 |
| • Density | 25.5/km2 (66/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Laurinesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 84057 |
| Dialing code | 0974 |
| Patron saint | Sant'Eliena di Laurino |
| Saint day | 22 May |
| Website | Official website |
Laurino is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of southwestern Italy. Laurino currently holds a population of 1,758 inhabitants.
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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.
The settlement goes back to pre-Christian times. In the 12th century the total population exceeded 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.
The place is known for its natural environment, and initiatives such as the Jazz in Laurino festival in August.
Media related to Laurino at Wikimedia Commons