Arpino
Arpino | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Arpino | |
 View of Arpino | |
 Coat of arms | |
Location of Arpino  | |
  Arpino Location of Arpino in Italy  Arpino Arpino (Lazio) | |
| Coordinates: 41°38′52″N 13°36′35″E / 41.64778°N 13.60972°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Province | Frosinone (FR) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Vittorio Sgarbi (2023-Present) |
| Area | |
• Total | 55 km2 (21 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 447 m (1,467 ft) |
| Population (31 December 2017)[2] | |
• Total | 7,150 |
| • Density | 130/km2 (340/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Arpinati |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 03033 |
| Dialing code | 0776 |
| Patron saint | Madonna of Loreto |
| Saint day | December 10 |
| Website | Official website |
Arpino (Southern Latian dialect: Arpinë) is a comune (municipality) in the province of Frosinone, in the Latin Valley, region of Lazio in central Italy, about 100 km southeast of Rome. Arpino occupies the site of the ancient Roman city of Arpinum, which was the birthplace of notable Roman figures Gaius Marius and Marcus Tullius Cicero.[3]
History
[edit]Ancient origins
[edit]Arpino stands on the site of the ancient Roman city of Arpinum, which dates back to at least the 7th century BC. Originally a settlement of the Volsci people, it was captured by the Romans in 305 BC and eventually became a Roman municipium. Arpinum gained particular fame as the birthplace of two significant Roman figures: the general Gaius Marius and the statesman and orator Marcus Tullius Cicero. For detailed information about the ancient settlement, see Arpinum.
Medieval period
[edit]After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the settlement continued to exist but evolved into a medieval town. In the early Middle Ages (6th-10th centuries), the strategic position of Arpino made it a contested territory between the Roman duchy and the Duchy of Benevento.
Following the 11th century, Arpino came under the rule of several successive powers. The Normans first established control, followed by the Hohenstaufen dynasty, and later the Papal States. During the turbulent 13th century, the town suffered significant destruction on two occasions: first in 1229 by the forces of Frederick II, and again in 1242 by troops loyal to Conrad IV.[citation needed]
Renaissance to early modern period
[edit]During the Renaissance period (15th-16th centuries), Arpino began to develop its textiles industry, particularly wool manufacturing, which would become increasingly important to the local economy in subsequent centuries. The town maintained its significance as a regional center throughout this period, with several noble families establishing residences there.
The 16th century saw the rise of one of Arpino's most notable Renaissance figures, the painter Giuseppe Cesari (1568-1640), also known as Cavalier d'Arpino, who became a leading artist in Rome and whose works adorned many important churches and palaces.
Modern era
[edit]Arpino was incorporated into the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1861 following the Risorgimento. Like many communities in southern Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Arpino experienced significant emigration, particularly to North America, as residents sought economic opportunities abroad. This diaspora established Arpinate communities in several American cities.
During the World Wars, Arpino, like many Italian towns, suffered economic hardship, though it avoided major physical destruction. The post-war period brought gradual modernization and economic recovery.
In recent decades, Arpino has developed as a center for cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in its rich historical heritage, well-preserved medieval architecture, and connections to ancient Rome. The establishment of the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas in 1980, an international Latin competition, has further enhanced the town's cultural profile and reconnected it with its classical heritage.
Economy
[edit]Arpino's economy has evolved significantly over the centuries, transitioning from its historical foundation in textiles to a more diversified modern structure.
Historical economy
[edit]From the Renaissance through the early 20th century, Arpino was renowned for its textile industry, particularly wool production. The town developed specialized techniques for producing high-quality woolen goods that were traded throughout central Italy. This industry supported numerous local families and formed the backbone of the local economy for centuries. Evidence of this industrial heritage remains in several historic buildings that once housed textile workshops, now preserved as cultural landmarks.
Modern economic activities
[edit]Following the decline of traditional textile manufacturing in the mid-20th century, Arpino's economy diversified. Today, the local economy is based on several sectors:
- Agriculture: The surrounding countryside supports olive groves, vineyards, and small-scale farming. Local agricultural products include:
- Extra virgin olive oil, produced from several varieties of olives grown on the hillsides
- Wine from local vineyards, primarily for regional consumption
- Vegetables and fruits cultivated in the fertile valley areas
- Chestnuts from the wooded hills around the town
- Artisanal production: While large-scale textile manufacturing has declined, some artisanal production continues, including:
- Small workshops producing traditional textiles
- Ceramics and pottery making
- Woodworking and traditional furniture crafting
- Food products using traditional methods, including cheeses and preserved meats
- Tourism: The heritage tourism sector has grown significantly since the 1990s, supported by:
- Accommodations in renovated historic buildings
- Restaurants featuring local cuisine
- Guided tours of historical and archaeological sites
- Cultural events, particularly the Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas which attracts international visitors annually
- Services: The service sector supports both residents and visitors:
- Retail businesses concentrated in the town center
- Professional services including legal, financial, and healthcare
- Educational services, including primary and secondary schools
Economic challenges and development
[edit]Like many small Italian towns, Arpino faces economic challenges, including population decline, youth emigration seeking employment opportunities, and competition from larger commercial centers. The municipal government has implemented various initiatives to promote local economic development, including:
- Promotion of the "Arpino" brand for local agricultural and artisanal products
- Support for the renovation of historic buildings for new business uses
- Development of digital infrastructure to support remote working opportunities
- Participation in regional tourism promotion networks
Cultural heritage
[edit]Arpino hosts several important cultural events throughout the year:
- Certamen Ciceronianum Arpinas - An international Latin competition for high school students, established in 1980, which draws participants from throughout Europe
- Gonfalone di Arpino - A historical festival featuring medieval costumes and competitions between the town's districts
- Festival of San Michele Arcangelo - The town's patronal festival
Notable people
[edit]Notable individuals born in modern Arpino include:
- Gioacchino Conti (1714–1761) - Famous castrato sopranist known as Il Gizziello or heb ceilliau[citation needed]
- Giuseppe Cesari (c. 1568–1640) - Mannerist painter also known as the Cavalier d'Arpino, who was a leading artist in Rome during the papacy of Clement VIII
- Niccolò Antonio Zingarelli (1752–1837) - Composer, particularly of opera, who was born in Naples but whose family originated from Arpino
- Massimo Piloni (b. 1948) - Former Italian football goalkeeper who played for several Serie A teams
Main sights
[edit]Historical buildings
[edit]- Palazzo Boncompagni - A 16th-century palace built for the powerful Boncompagni family
- Church of San Michele Arcangelo - The main church of Arpino, dating from the medieval period but rebuilt in later centuries
- Church of Santa Maria di Civita - A historic church located on the highest point of the town
- Palazzo Sangermano - An aristocratic residence from the 18th century
Archaeological remains
[edit]The town includes several important archaeological sites from its ancient past as Arpinum:
- Circuit walls in polygonal masonry with an example of an ogive arch[4]
- Ancient Roman basalt pavements[5]
- The church of S. Domenico in the Liri valley, which marks the site of the villa where Cicero is believed to have been born[6]
For more detailed information about the ancient settlement at this location, see Arpinum.
Museums
[edit]- Museo della Lana (Wool Museum) - Documenting the town's historical textile industry
- Museo Civico di Arpino - Housing archaeological finds and historical artifacts related to the town's history
- Casa Museo di Marco Tullio Cicerone - A museum dedicated to the legacy of Cicero, located near the presumed site of his birth
Geography
[edit]Physical geography
[edit]Arpino is situated in the hills of southern Lazio, occupying a strategic position at an elevation of 447 meters (1,467 feet) above sea level. The territory of the commune covers approximately 55 square kilometers (21 square miles) and features varied topography characterized by:
- Hills and low mountains, particularly in the northern part of the commune
- The fertile Liri River valley to the south
- Several smaller streams and watercourses that flow toward the Liri River
- Mixed deciduous forests, primarily oak and chestnut, covering parts of the higher elevations
- Cultivated areas with terraced slopes supporting olive groves and vineyards
The geological composition of the area is primarily limestone and sandstone, with areas of volcanic soil resulting from the ancient activity of the Roccamonfina volcano to the southeast. This varied geology contributes to the region's biodiversity and agricultural potential.
Climate
[edit]Arpino enjoys a Mediterranean climate with continental influences due to its inland position and elevation. The climate is characterized by:
- Warm, dry summers with average high temperatures of 28-30°C (82-86°F) in July and August
- Mild, relatively wet winters with average low temperatures of 2-4°C (36-39°F) in January
- Average annual precipitation of approximately 950-1000mm (37-39 inches), with most rainfall occurring in autumn and winter
- Occasional snow during winter months, particularly at higher elevations
- Spring and autumn offering pleasant, moderate temperatures ideal for tourism and outdoor activities
Administrative geography
[edit]The commune of Arpino comprises the main town center (capoluogo) and several distinct frazioni (hamlets) including:
- Civitavecchia
- Collecarino
- Fontana Liri
- Pagnanelli
- Sant'Amasio
- Vano
Arpino borders the following municipalities: Broccostella, Casalvieri, Castelliri, Fontana Liri, Isola del Liri, Monte San Giovanni Campano, Santopadre, and Sora. The commune is part of the Province of Frosinone and the broader Lazio region.
Demographics
[edit]The population of Arpino has experienced gradual decline over the past several decades, a trend common to many small Italian towns, particularly in central and southern regions. As of December 31, 2017, the official population was 7,150 residents, with a population density of approximately 130 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The demographic structure shows an aging population, with a significant percentage of residents over 65 years of age. This demographic trend presents challenges for economic development and the maintenance of services. Efforts to attract younger residents include cultural initiatives, remote work opportunities, and the promotion of agricultural entrepreneurship.
Transportation
[edit]Arpino is accessible by:
- Road: Via the A1 highway (Rome-Naples), exiting at Frosinone
- Rail: The nearest major railway station is in Frosinone, on the Rome-Naples line
- Bus: Regular bus services connect Arpino to Frosinone and other towns in the region
See also
[edit]- Arpinum - The ancient Roman city at the site of modern Arpino
- Cicero - Roman statesman and orator born in ancient Arpinum
- Gaius Marius - Roman general and statesman born near ancient Arpinum
- Province of Frosinone - The province in which Arpino is located
References
[edit]- ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ Richard Stillwell (14 March 2017). The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites. Princeton University Press. pp. 95–. ISBN 978-1-4008-8658-6.
- ^ Charles Kelsall (1820). Classical Excursion from Rome to Arpino. author. pp. 88–.
- ^ Dal Maso, Leonardo B; Vighi, Roberto (1979). Archeological Latium. Bonechi, Edizioni "Il Turismo".
- ^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Ashby, Thomas (1911). "Arpino". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 2 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 641.
Sources
[edit]- Purcell, N; Talbert, R; Elliott, T; Gillies, S; Becker, J (18 December 2020). "Places: 432700 (Arpinum)". Pleiades. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
External links
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