Vernio

Vernio
—  Comune  —
Comune di Vernio
Pieve of St. Peter, in the frazione of Cavarzano.
Vernio
Location of Vernio in Italy
Coordinates:
Country Italy
Region Tuscany
Province Prato (PO)
Frazioni Cavarzano, Costozze, Le Confina, Mercatale Vernio, Montepiano, Risubbiani, San Quirico (communal capital), Sant'Ippolito, Sasseta, Terrigoli
Government
 • Mayor Paolo Cecconi
Area
 • Total 63.3 km2 (24.4 sq mi)
Elevation 278 m (912 ft)
Population (31 August 2007)[1]
 • Total 5,938
 • Density 93.8/km2 (243/sq mi)
Demonym Verniatti
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 59024
Dialing code 0574
Patron saint St. Leonard of Noblac
Saint day 6 November

Vernio is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Prato in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 30 km northwest of Florence and about 20 km north of Prato.

Vernio borders the following municipalities: Barberino di Mugello, Camugnano, Cantagallo, Castiglione dei Pepoli. The main sight is the Abbey of Santa Maria (11th century), at Montepiano, housing 13th century frescoes.

Contents

History

Vernio's name derives from that of an ancient Roman winter camp (castra hiberna) located here. A Roman bridge existed in the area, but was destroyed during World War II.

In the 12th century it went from the Cadolingians to the counts Alberti from Prato, who lived here after 1107. In the 13th century it went to the Bardi family, as the seat of a county which remained independent until 1798, when it was abolished by Napoleon. After the Congress of Vienna it was annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany.

Twin towns

References

  1. ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.

External links