| Locorotondo | |
|---|---|
| — Comune — | |
| Comune di Locorotondo | |
  Locorotondo
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| Coordinates: 40°45′N 17°19′E / 40.75°N 17.317°ECoordinates: 40°45′N 17°19′E / 40.75°N 17.317°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Puglia |
| Province | Bari (BA) |
| Government | |
| - Mayor | Giorgio Petrelli |
| Area | |
| - Total | 47 km2 (18.1 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 410 m (1,345 ft) |
| Population (31 May 2007) | |
| - Total | 14,108 |
| - Density | 300.2/km2 (777.4/sq mi) |
| - Demonym | Locorotondesi |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| - Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 70010 |
| Dialing code | 080 |
| Patron saint | St. Roch |
| Saint day | 16 August |
| Website | Official website |
Locorotondo is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Bari, Italy, with a population of 13,928 (2001 census). The city is famous for its wines and for its round historical center, from which derives its name, meaning "Round place". It is located in south-east Murgia, deep in the Itria Valley, dotted with white trulli.
Locorotondo is listed as one of most beautiful hamlets in Italy[1].
Contents |
History
The site has been settled since ancient times, as testified by archaeological finds dating between the 3rd and the 7th century BC. The foundation of a town dates back to around 1000 AD as an unfortified hamlet under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine monastery of St. Stephen in Monopoli. The estate of various feudal lords for 500 years, it saw an increase in population, housing development, and the construction of the walls and castle. The Caracciolo family, Dukes of Martina Franca and the last feudal lords, remained in Locorotondo until the beginning of the 19th century.
Main sights
Locorotondo's heritage includes the Mother Church of "St. George the Martyr", built between 1769 and 1821 and including 14th century basreliefs; the church of "San Rocco", the Romanesque church of "Our Lady of Greece". The beauty of the historic centre is also represented by a labyrinth of white alleys, jealously guarded by their inhabitants. The houses end with the unusual pitched roofs called "cummerse", a feature typical of the historical centre of Locorotondo.
The Locorotondo countryside is an example of an area of dispersed settlements (jazzelere) and has an abundance of trulli dwellings which were built around a communal area called "jazzile". This settlement pattern is due in large part to emphyteutic leases, particularly in the 19th century for the development of vineyards[2].
Economy
Agricultural is still the leading activity in the local economy: the vine includes varieties Bianco d'Alessano and Verdeca, providing the raw material for the white DOC Locorotondo wine.
Twin towns
Trzebnica, Poland
References
- ^ (Italian) "The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy"
- ^ Anthony H Galt, Far from the Church Bells (CUP, 1991)
External links
- (Italian) Comune di Locorotondo
- Cantina Sociale del Locorotondo (multilingual)
- (Italian) The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy
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