Francavilla al Mare

Francavilla al Mare
Comune
Comune di Francavilla al Mare

Coat of arms

Francavilla within the Province of Chieti
Francavilla al Mare

Location of Francavilla al Mare in Italy

Coordinates: 42°25′N 14°18′E / 42.417°N 14.300°E / 42.417; 14.300Coordinates: 42°25′N 14°18′E / 42.417°N 14.300°E / 42.417; 14.300
Country Italy
Region Abruzzo
Province / Metropolitan city Chieti (CH)
Frazioni Arenaro, Castelvecchio, Cese, Cetti San Biagio, Coderuto, Fontechiaro, Foro, Michetti, Piane, Piane di Vallebona, Piattelli, Pretaro, Quercianotarrocco, San Giovanni, Santa Cecilia, Setteventi, Torre Ciarrapico, Valle Anzuca, Villanesi
Government
 • Mayor Antonio Luciani (PD)
Area
 • Total 23 km2 (9 sq mi)
Elevation 3 m (10 ft)
Population (30 September 2012)[1]
 • Total 23,879
 • Density 1,000/km2 (2,700/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Francavillesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 66023
Dialing code 085
Patron saint San Franco and Santa Liberata
Saint day 18 August
Website Official website

Francavilla a Mare (Italian: [ˌfraŋkaˈvilla a ˈmaːre]) is a comune and town in the Province of Chieti, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. As of 2012, its population was 23,879.[1]

History

Ancient era and Medieval period

The area was inhabited since prehistory, and early remains have been found at St. Cecilia. In 1162 the village was granted immunity from taxes for 12 years, and this episode also gave origin to the name "Francavilla" (meaning "free town").

16th century and the Turkish attack

The harbour was a flourishing commercial key point in the Adriatic Sea, but in the 16th century was plundered by Turkish troops. The town was held by families such as the Caracciolo and D'Avalos in the following centuries.

19th century: D'Annunzio and Michetti

In the late 19th century Francavilla was already a well known seaside resort and the seat of an artistic literary circle with relevant figures as Francesco Paolo Michetti, Gabriele D'Annunzio, F.P. Tosti, who met at the "Conventino", in the former monastery of Santa Maria di Gesù.

In 1944 the center was destroyed by Americans and Nazi. Only Michetti convent is conserved between the city is totally built from new.

Geography

The municipality, included in the urban area of Pescara, borders with Chieti, Miglianico, Ortona, Pescara, Ripa Teatina, San Giovanni Teatino and Torrevecchia Teatina.[2]

Its hamlets (frazioni) are the villages of Arenaro, Castelvecchio, Cese, Cetti San Biagio, Coderuto, Fontechiaro, Foro, Michetti, Piane, Piane di Vallebona, Piattelli, Pretaro, Quercianotarrocco, San Giovanni, Santa Cecilia, Setteventi, Torre Ciarrapico, Valle Anzuca and Villanesi.

Demographics

Main sights

Sport

The local football club is the A.S.D. Francavilla, founded in 1927, that has its home ground in Valle Anzuca Stadium.

Personalities

Michetti Convent 
Sirena Palace 
St. Roch Church 

References

  1. 1 2 All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
  2. ↑ 41997 Francavilla al Mare on OpenStreetMap
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