Francavilla al Mare

Francavilla al Mare (Italian: [ˌfraŋkaˈvilla al ˈmaːre]) is a comune and town in the province of Chieti, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

Francavilla a Mare
Comune di Francavilla a Mare
Coat of arms of Francavilla a Mare
Francavilla within the Province of Chieti
Francavilla within the Province of Chieti
Location of Francavilla a Mare
Francavilla a Mare is located in Italy
Francavilla a Mare
Francavilla a Mare
Location of Francavilla a Mare in Italy
Francavilla a Mare is located in Abruzzo
Francavilla a Mare
Francavilla a Mare
Francavilla a Mare (Abruzzo)
Coordinates: 42°25′N 14°18′E
CountryItaly
RegionAbruzzo
ProvinceChieti (CH)
FrazioniArenaro, 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
  MayorLuisa Russo
Area
  Total23.09 km2 (8.92 sq mi)
Elevation
19 m (62 ft)
Population
 (1 January 2023)[2]
  Total25,622
  Density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
DemonymFrancavillesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
  Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
66023
Dialing code085
ISTAT code069035
Patron saintSt. Frank and St. Liberata
Saint day18 August
WebsiteOfficial website

The municipality, included in the urban area of Pescara, borders with Chieti, Miglianico, Ortona, Pescara, Ripa Teatina, San Giovanni Teatino and Torrevecchia Teatina.[3]

History

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").

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.

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

Main sights

  • Michetti Convent
  • Michetti Museum
  • Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
  • Sirena Palace

Sport

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

People

References

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