Jump to content

Laurino

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Laurino
Comune di Laurino
Panoramic view of Laurino
Panoramic view of Laurino
Coat of arms of Laurino
Laurino within the Province of Salerno
Laurino within the Province of Salerno
Location of Laurino
Map
Laurino is located in Italy
Laurino
Laurino
Location of Laurino in Italy
Laurino is located in Campania
Laurino
Laurino
Laurino (Campania)
Coordinates: 40°20′N 15°20′E / 40.333°N 15.333°E / 40.333; 15.333
CountryItaly
RegionCampania
ProvinceSalerno (SA)
FrazioniPruno, Villa Littorio
Government
 • MayorRomano Gregorio
Area
 • Total70.46 km2 (27.20 sq mi)
Elevation
531 m (1,742 ft)
Population
 (31 August 2017)[2]
 • Total1,488
 • Density21/km2 (55/sq mi)
DemonymLaurinesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
84057
Dialing code0974
Patron saintSt. Helena of Laurino
Saint day22 May
WebsiteOfficial website
Ruins of the Ducal Palace.

Laurino is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of southwestern Italy.

Geography

[edit]

Laurino is a typical medieval hill town of the Cilento, the southernmost part of Campania. It dominates the surrounding landscape, overlooking the Calore Lucano river, which is crossed by two medieval bridges; Laurino was once known as the "pearl of the Calore". The river flows through the Cilento national park from its source up on Mount Cervati; it is known for the wildlife it attracts, such as European otters. The name Laurino probably comes from the "laura" created by the integration of numerous Greek monks of Basil observance, who lived as hermits in the numerous caves in the area.

The municipality borders with Bellosguardo, Campora, Felitto, Magliano Vetere, Novi Velia, Piaggine, Rofrano, Roscigno, Sacco, Stio and Valle dell'Angelo. It counts two hamlets (frazioni): Pruno and Villa Littorio.[3]

History

[edit]

The first historical mention of the CASTELLUM DE LAURI dates back to the year 932. In the 12th century the total population exceeded 3,500, spread between the main town and five surrounding villages. However Laurino was destroyed by the troops of Frederick III of Sicily during the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282-1302).

Due to migration in recent decades toward the north in search for employment, the current population is just under 2000.

Main sights

[edit]
  • Ruins of the Ducal Palace
  • Frescos and wooden carvings of the main church, Santa Maria Maggiore.
  • Medieval Bridge and natural springs
  • Zipline 500 meters above gorge

The place is known for its natural environment, and initiatives such as the Jazz in Laurino festival in August, which attracts musicians from throughout the country.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  3. ^ (in Italian) The frazioni of Laurino at the municipal website[permanent dead link]
[edit]