Farnetta

Farnetta
Castrum Farnectae
Frazione
Farnetta

Location of Farnetta in Italy

Coordinates: 42°40′N 12°30′E / 42.667°N 12.500°ECoordinates: 42°40′N 12°30′E / 42.667°N 12.500°E
Country  Italy
Region UMB
Province TR
Comune Montecastrilli
Elevation 385 m (1,263 ft)
Population (31 August 2007)
 • Total 283
Demonym Farnettani
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 05026
Dialing code 0744
Patron saint St. Rita
Saint day May 22
Website Official website

Farnetta is a small village set in Terre Arnolfe countryside, 16 miles northwest from the Italian city of Terni, Umbria. Farnetta is included in the comune of Montecastrilli in the province of Terni (central Italy). It has a population of 283.

Farnetta derives its name from the old Latin name Quercus Frainetto and is reputed to be one of the smallest villages in Umbrian region consisting of several farms, houses and a church dedicated to St Nicolaus, which has its origins in the 16th century but is mainly 19th century and underwent heavy restoration in 1860. The church has been designated by Italian Heritage. Close by, on a hill, there exists the remains of an Medioeval hill fort known as Palombara and the romanic Church of St. Lorenzo in Nifili (11th century).

History

The name's origin is traditionally connected to the toponym of Quercus Frainetto (a type of oak).

During the ancient Roman domination the area was along a branch of the via Amerina.

The city was later part of the Terre Arnolfe, and was later subjected to Todi and Terni. Farnetta was listed in the Farfa Abbey register in 1112.

Iron Age and Roman periods

It is likely that the area was also inhabited in the Iron Age and throughout the Roman period. There are numerous elements of early Roman infrastructure in the area, and being in proximity with the course of a Roman roads Amerina and Flaminia. It appears that the area would have been extensively settled.

Main sights

Farnetta is a medieval hamlet or historical borgo situated in one of the best part of uncontaminated Umbrian countryside and woods. At 385 meters above sea level, the territory is that of the Natural Park (protected area: "Zona di ripopolamento e cattura") of Farnetta. The zone is perfect for long country treks, horse riding and mountain bike holidays in central Umbria.

Its historical center at one time was surrounded by medieval walls but, now mostly torn down, leaving only short stretches and a few cylindrical towers that at one time served as part of the town's defenses.

Churches

St. Nicolaus: Inside the old part of town, which is quiet and unprepossessing, the principal building of note is the church of St. Nicolaus, started in the 16th century and completed in the 19th century. The church includes some fine paintings dated to the 18th century.

St. Lawrence: The surrounding countryside is charming in the Umbrian way, spotted with a few small castles - or castelli - such as the one at Forte Cesare. Of note a short way from Franetta is the church of San Lorenzo in Nifili, which was built on the remains of a Roman building, and incorporates very large Roman stone blocks. The church is dated to the 10th century and it is located on an important Roman road (Via Amerina) connecting Amelia to Todi and Perugia.

Dunarobba fossil forest

The Fossil Forest of Dunarobba, near Farnetta (3 km), is one of the oldest woods in the world. Two million years ago the sea definitely withdrew. In its place an ancient lake called Tiberino came to being flourished. The waters, coming down from the hills and the mountains which were emerging, must have carried huge quantities of sediments that along with tectonic movements, must have covered the vegetable giants and preserved them until today.

Culture

Farnetta is known for its St. Rita feast, held each year the last week of may. During the feast a trattoria is organized by the inhabitants with traditional food.

The feast has strong devotional and historical overtones.

Significant medioeval towns and villages are present near Farnetta: Todi (17 km), Sangemini, (10 km), Spoleto (42 km), Carsulae (12 km), Orvieto (38 km).

Transport

Farnetta is situated near to two numbered routes. The A1 goes north to Florence and south-west to Rome. The E45 goes north-east to Perugia and south-east to Terni and Spoleto.

Farnetta is served by ATC bus services to Terni, Todi, Sangemini, Montecastrilli, Avigliano, Amelia.

Economy

Agriculture was important for the inhabitants of Farnetta in the context of rural development and poverty reduction. The village today has made use of its past and has built a tourist industry. Many "agriturismi" (farm holidays) are present in the territory of Farnetta.

Demography

The population of the civil parish, recorded in the 2001 census, is 246. In the 13th century the population was about 500 (96 fireplaces).[1]

List of people from Farnetta

References

  1. ↑ Corradi, M., (2005), Castrum Farnectae: le famiglie, la storia, le cronache di un castello umbro, Del Gallo, Spoleto

External links