Strangolagalli

Strangolagalli
Comune
Comune di Strangolagalli
Strangolagalli

Location of Strangolagalli in Italy

Coordinates: 41°36′N 13°29′E / 41.600°N 13.483°ECoordinates: 41°36′N 13°29′E / 41.600°N 13.483°E
Country Italy
Region Lazio
Province Frosinone (FR)
Government
  Mayor Antonio De Vellis
Area
  Total 10.5 km2 (4.1 sq mi)
Elevation 232 m (761 ft)
Population (2008)[1]
  Total 2,601
  Density 250/km2 (640/sq mi)
Demonym Strangolagallesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 03020
Dialing code 0775
Patron saint St. Michael the Archangel
Saint day 29 September
Website Official website

Strangolagalli is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Frosinone in the Italian region Lazio, located about 90 kilometres (56 mi) southeast of Rome and about 12 kilometres (7 mi) southeast of Frosinone. It is located on the slopes of Ernici Mountains, towards the Liri River. Economy is based mainly on agriculture, numerous inhabitants commuting to nearby industries for work.

History

The origin of the name (in Italian: "Chicken-Strangler") is uncertain. It could derive from the Byzantine strongylos ("circular") and the Lombard wal ("palisade"), indicating a settlement fortified in that way. A 17th century scholar derived it from the villa of one Roman patrician Astragalus Gallus.

Archaeological findings have indeed suggested that Strangolagalli had been an Roman settlement. The existence of the castle is attested in 1097, but it was probably of Lombard origin. Initially a dominion of the Girini (or Girindi) family, it was later under the seignories of Veroli and D'Aquino. The town and countryside are dominated with the Valeri, Tomassi, Lisi, Sementilli, Maini, DeVellis and Casagrande family lines.

In the 14th century the area was contended by the Angevines and Aragonese, and in the following century it was acquired by the Papal States. Traditionally a seat of brigandage, it fought against the Napoleonic occupation.

In 1915 it was damaged by an earthquake. During World War II it was further damaged during the German retreat from the Gustav Line.

References

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