Avezzano

Avezzano (Italian pronunciation: [avetˈtsaːno] or [avedˈdzaːno]; Marsicano: Avezzàne [avedˈdzɑːnə]) is a city and comune with a population of about 42,500 inhabitants,[2] situated in the Abruzzo region, province of L'Aquila, Italy.[3] It is the second most populous municipality in the province and the sixth in the region. Avezzano was documented as an existing urban center in the ninth century. The city was destroyed by the earthquake of 1915 where the vast majority of the inhabitants died due to very low building standards. It was rebuilt after the 1944 Allied bombing. The city was decorated with the silver medal for civil merit, an award granted by the Italian Republic.[4][5]

Avezzano

Avezzàne  (Neapolitan)
Comune
Città di Avezzano
View of Avezzano from Mount Salviano
Coat of arms
Location of Avezzano
Avezzano
Location of Avezzano in Italy
Avezzano
Avezzano (Abruzzo)
Coordinates: 42°02′28″N 13°26′23″E
CountryItaly
RegionAbruzzo
ProvinceL'Aquila (AQ)
FrazioniAntrosano, Castelnuovo, Cese dei Marsi, Paterno, San Pelino, San Giuseppe di Caruscino, Borgo Incile, Borgo Via Nuova[1]
Government
 • MayorMauro Passerotti (Prefect Commissioner)
Area
 • Total104.09 km2 (40.19 sq mi)
Elevation
695 m (2,280 ft)
Population
 (2019)[2]
 • Total42,276
 • Density410/km2 (1,100/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Avezzanesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
67051
Dialing code0863
Patron saintBartholomew the Apostle and Madonna di Pietraquaria
Saint day24 August and 27 April

It is the main commercial, industrial and agricultural centre of the Marsica area, with important high-tech industries and a large Telespazio satellite farm.

History

Toponymy

There are different common etymologies for the name of the city: from "Ad Vetianum" which means a "to the Vetia family"; from "Avidianum" or "fundus Avidianus" which is derived from the noble Avidius domiciled in the nearby town of Alba Fucens or from "Ave Jane", an invocation to the Roman god Janus.[6][7]

Earliest history
Orsini-Colonna castle
View of Avezzano

The presence of hunters dates back to the palaeolithic period about 18,000 to 14,000 years ago. There are several sites that bear witness to the presence of humans in prehistoric times, as in the Cave of Ciccio Felice located just south of Avezzano.[8] The first major settlements in this area began with the construction works for the lake's drainage ordered by Emperor Claudius in the first century A.D.

Middle Ages

In 591 in the area came under the control of Ariulf and the duchy of Spoleto. Charlemagne, after the mid-700s, donated Gastald of the Marsi and all the lands of the duchy to the papal states. So originated the county of the Marsi. In the late middle ages the victory of Charles of Anjou led to the destruction of Albe and Pietraquaria whose people had sided in favor of Conradin, duke of Swabia, defeated after the battle of Tagliacozzo in 1268.[9][10] In the fourteenth century in Avezzano ended the process of aggregation of the various villages that make up the urban center.[11]

Early modern

In the 15th century Avezzano was under Gentile Virginio Orsini, who built the castle in 1490. In the fifteenth century occurred the victory of the Colonna family over Orsini. Their lordship lasted about three centuries. The castle of Avezzano in 1565 was expanded by Marcantonio Colonna and was later converted into a fortified palace.[12]

Late modern and contemporary

Avezzano once lay on the shores of the largest lake in peninsular Italy, Lake Fucino, which was drained in the late 19th century. After the draining of the Lake, wide fields became available for cultivation and the area underwent terrific growth. It was completely destroyed by one of the worst recorded earthquakes in the history of Italy on the early morning of January 13, 1915 with only Palazzi's house and a wing of Orsini-Colonna castle spared. More than 30,000 people died. The town streets were then completely rebuilt along straight, parallel lines, with wide green areas and villas in the Liberty style.[13]

During World War I and World War II, a concentration camp was located near the city, where foreign war prisoners were interned. During World War II, Avezzano was liberated by elements of the New Zealand Army (2nd New Zealand Division) on 10 June 1944.[14]

Geography
Avezzano (top right) and the Fucino plain

The city is located north-west of the Fucino. It is dominated in the north by Mount Velino and west by Mount Salviano. Avezzano is considered "the city territory" of Marsica, Abruzzo sub-region that includes 37 municipalities, for a total of about 134,000 inhabitants.[15] The city is located about 100 kilometers east of Rome,[16] 110 km west of Pescara[16] and 55 km south of L'Aquila.[16]

Topography

The urban center of the old city revolves around the Castello Orsini-Colonna (''Orsini-Colonna Castle''). To the east the territory extends to the villages of San Pelino and Paterno. It is situated between 695 meters s.l.m. in the urban sector and 740 meters in the north, the land of which is a slight uphill slope to the north-northwest.

Neighbourhoods (alphabetical order): Barbazzano, Borgo Angizia, Borgo Pineta, Centro città, Cesolino, Chiusa Resta, Cupello, I Frati, La Pulcina, San Rocco, San Nicola, Sant'Andrea, Scalzagallo, Via Napoli.

Climate

Because of its geographical location, situated as it is in the former bed of the Fucino and surrounded by towering hills, Avezzano is characterized by a Mediterranean mountain climate. Based on climatic averages for the period 1951–2000 published by the agency ARSSA (Regione Abruzzo), and climatic averages related to thirty years of reference 1961–1990, the average temperature of the coldest month, January stood at +2,0 °C; that of the hottest month, August, +20.5 °C. In summer sometimes temperatures exceed 30 °C.[17] The Climate classification is: Zone E, 2561 GR / G.

Main sights
Alba Fucens background mount Velino
Risorgimento square
Tunnels of Claudius

The city, having been completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1915, has no monuments of particular interest as do other locations in the region of Abruzzo. However, you can see some important remains of its ancient history.

Orsini-Colonna Castle
Main article: Orsini-Colonna Castle

The castle was built in 1490 by Gentile Virginio Orsini, who had it built around a pre-existing medieval tower of the twelfth century; it is square, with round towers at the angles.[18] The castle project was probably led by the engineer Francesco di Giorgio Martini. In the sixteenth century the castle was expanded by the order of Marcantonio Colonna, becoming an elegant residence. Severely damaged by the earthquake of 1915, it was partially restored after 1990.[19]

Tunnels of Claudius
Main article: Tunnels of Claudius

The tunnels are located south of the city. They were built by the emperor Claudius between 41 and 52 AD by which the emperor made the first attempts at draining the huge Lake Fucino. To create the tunnels and the main gallery, 25,000 slaves were needed. They dug 32 wells and six tunnels. The lake was largely drained, but with the fall of the Roman Empire the tunnels were obstructed and the lake returned to its previous levels. Many centuries later, Alessandro Torlonia completed the work by finally draining Lake Fucino, building on the original project of the emperor Claudius and turning the land under the great lake into a fertile plain. In 1977, the tunnels were opened as an archaeological park.[20]

Cathedral of San Bartolomeo
Main article: Avezzano Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Bartholomew was built in 1000 and documented in the thirteenth century. After its destruction as a result of the earthquake of 1915, it was rebuilt after 1940 in the new central square of Avezzano. The facade is neo-Renaissance travertine. The three portals are topped with mosaics depicting Christ and the two protectors of Avezzano, the Virgin Mary and St. Bartholomew. The church inside presents three large naves and a valuable organ placed in the church in 1955.[21]

Sanctuary of the Madonna di Pietraquaria
Main article: Sanctuary of the Madonna di Pietraquaria

The original church was destroyed by Charles I of Anjou after the battle of Tagliacozzo in 1268 and rebuilt a few centuries later. In 1915, it did not suffer serious damage and was home to many survivors of the quake.[22]

Alba Fucens
Main article: Alba Fucens

7 kilometers north of the city is situated the Roman archaeological site of Alba Fucens. It was founded by Rome as a Latin colony between 304 and 303 BC in the territory of the Aequi, on the frontier of the Marsi, in a strategic position. It is on a hill just north of the Tiburtina-Valeria, the ancient road from Rome to the Adriatic regions. Excavations were carried out since 1949 by the University of Leuven in Belgium, led by professor Fernand De Visscher.[23]

Nature reserve of Mount Salviano
Main article: Mount Salviano Guided Nature Reserve

The nature reserve, established in 1999, covers 722 hectares west of the town of Avezzano on Mount Salviano. It has a rich variety of plants and different animal species that characterize its fauna and flora. At the center of the reserve is located the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Pietraquaria surrounded by numerous trails frequented by sportsmen and nature lovers.[24]

  • Fucine Inlet
  • Torlonia Palace
  • Torlonia Square
  • Church of San Giovanni
  • Liberty Justice Palace

Economy

Agriculture
Aerial photo of Avezzano and Fucino plain
Photo from mount Salviano
Pavilion Torlonia

Many farms in the plain of Fucino are distinguished by the quality of the vegetables. Particularly popular is the Fucino potato which obtained the recognition of the quality label "Protected Geographical Indication".[25] Several qualities of vegetables: carrot highland Fucino (PGI),[26] radishes, salads and all kinds of horticultural products. In Abruzzo, 25% of agricultural GDP comes from Fucino plain.[27]

Industry

Built in the 1970s just outside the city in the direction of Luco dei Marsi, the industrial park includes numerous industrial and manufacturing enterprises and is the economic engine of the province. Among these are Micron Technology and L-Foundry, electronics giants engaged in highly specialized manufacturing. Around 1,600 workers are employed at the fabrication center "Innovation & Technology" in Avezzano. Also located here are Arab TV, Kidco, the Burgo group, FIAMM, Saes, Presider, Presafer and several other specialized firms.[28] Nearby in the Fucino plain is located the Telespazio satellite farm, one of the major global operators of satellite services.[29]

Commerce

Commerce plays a very important role for the city in retail trade, digital service industries and traditional service industries. Large commercial areas are located on the Tiburtina Valeria street, between Roma street and Cappelle dei Marsi and along XX Settembre street, just outside the city. The so-called "natural shopping center" consists of the activities in the city center.

Tourism

Near Avezzano there are parks, valleys, cities and the natural environment of the Abruzzi mountains: National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, Sirente-Velino Regional Park, Fucino plain, Mount Velino, Ovindoli, Tagliacozzo, Giovenco valley, Roveto valley and Cavaliere plain.

Sports

The football squad is Avezzano Calcio who play at the Stadio dei Marsi. The rugby team is Avezzano Rugby.

Notable people

International relations
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Italy

Avezzano is twinned with:

  • Ayacucho, Peru, for the sustainable development of protected areas near to urban areas[30]
  • Belén, Argentina, for cooperation and exchange of tourism, export and import food industry[31]
  • Santa María, Argentina, for cooperation and exchange of tourism, export and import food industry[31]

See also

References
  1. "Comune di Avezzano" (in Italian). Comuni-Italiani.it (Prometheo Srl). Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  2. "Bilancio demografico anno 2019 (dati provvisori) – Avezzano". ISTAT. 31 December 2019. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
  3. "Avezzano" (in Italian). Il Portale d'Abruzzo. Retrieved 22 November 2016.
  4. "70 anni dalla liberazione (pag.30)" (PDF). ANPI.
  5. Palmieri, p. 106.
  6. "Il nome Avezzano". Terre Marsicane (Giovanni Pagani). Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  7. Febonio, p. 70.
  8. "Aspetti della morfologia carsica (anno 2006, pag.46)". Ezio Burri (C.Giraudi/L.Piccini/P.Messina).
  9. "Gastaldato dei Marsi". Comune di Avezzano. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  10. "Contea dei Marsi". Pereto.info.
  11. "Una missionaria nell'Avezzano del '700-Madre Maria Teresa Cucchiari e la sua opera (Giuseppe Grossi)" (PDF). Sobriaebbrezza.it. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  12. "Castello Orsini-Colonna". Regione Abruzzo. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  13. "Touristic Guide of Avezzano". Comune di Avezzano. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  14. "1944 giugno". Associazione Nazionale Combattenti FF.AA. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  15. "Dati Popolazione, Superficie e Densità dei Comuni appartenenti alle Comunità Montane Abruzzesi" (PDF). Regione Abruzzo. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  16. Distance provided by Google Maps: Fastest route
  17. "Analisi spazio temporali delle precipitazioni nella Regione Abruzzo" (PDF). Regione Abruzzo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  18. Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Avezzano" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 59.
  19. "Castello Orsini-Colonna". Regione Abruzzo. 2006. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  20. "Cunicoli di Claudio". Regione Abruzzo. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2016.
  21. "Chiesa di San Bartolomeo in Avezzano". terremarsicane.it. Archived from the original on 2015-06-30.
  22. "Santuario della Madonna di Pietraquaria". diocesidiavezzano.it. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  23. "Alba Fucens". albafucens.info.
  24. "Scrigno di biodiversità". tesoridabruzzo.com. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
  25. "IGP Patata del Fucino". AgricolturaOggi.com.
  26. "Abruzzo, il gusto della carota del Fucino (Ricette prodotti Igp Italia)". La Stampa (Turismo.it).
  27. "Cuore d'Abruzzo: 25% PIL agricolo dal Fucino". Il Centro.
  28. "Consorzio nucleo industriale di Avezzano". Consorzio nucleo industriale di Avezzano.
  29. "Fucino: the largest civil space centre in the world". Telespazio.com.
  30. "Gemellaggio tra la città di Avezzano e Ayacucho". TeleSirio. Archived from the original on 2016-01-29. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  31. Marsica Live. "Gemellaggio Avezzano-Belén-Santa María" (in Italian).

Bibliography
  • Febonio, Muzio (1678). Historiae Marsorum (in Latin). Monaco di Baviera: Biblioteca Pubblica Bavarese.
  • Palmieri, Eliseo (2006). Avezzano, un secolo di immagini (in Italian). Pescara: Paolo de Siena editore.


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