Mattinata

This article is about the Italian town. For the song by Leoncavallo, see Mattinata (Leoncavallo).
Mattinata
Comune
Comune di Mattinata

View of Mattinata

Coat of arms
Mattinata

Location of Mattinata in Italy

Coordinates: 41°42′N 16°03′E / 41.700°N 16.050°E
Country Italy
Region  Apulia
Province Foggia (FG)
Government
  Mayor Michele Prencipe
Area
  Total 72 km2 (28 sq mi)
Elevation 80 m (260 ft)
Population (March 2010)[1]
  Total 6,510
  Density 90/km2 (230/sq mi)
Demonym Mattinatesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 71030
Dialing code 0884
Patron saint Our Lady of Light
Saint day September 15
Website Official website

Mattinata is a famous seaside resort town and comune (municipality) in the province of Foggia, Apulia, southern Italy.

Daunian tombs near Mattinata.

Geography

The only town in Apulia facing south the Adriatic sea, Mattinata is part of the Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano). The main urban area is located up on two hills enclosed by mountains in the northern, western and southern sides. The town faces eastward a plain (Piana di Mattinata) facing the Adriatic sea.

The northern coastal part is known for its chalky white cliffs, its large number of suggestive sea grottos and, above all, for its two Faraglioni located in the Zagare Bay area. The area surrounding Mattinata is also a popular destination for botanical experts, due to the existence of around 60 different species of orchids.

History

The first humans to settle in the area were tribes of Eastern European origin, mainly from Greece and the Balkans (Iapyges), which populated the surrounding areas 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 1st 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 1955, year of its independence as a municipality.

Main sights


Economy

The economy of Mattinata is strongly based on services and, to a lesser extent, on farming and livestock. Tourism plays an important role in the community. Farm products include olive oil, almonds and figs. Livestock consists mainly of cattle and goats.

References

  1. All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mattinata.

External links