Francavilla al Mare

Welcome to Francavilla al Mare

Hello everyone! Today we'll be talking about Francavilla al Mare, an Italian town in the province of Chieti with a population of inhabitants. Located south of Pescara, with which it borders and forms a single urban area, it is part of the metropolitan area of Pescara.

Discover Francavilla al Mare: history, climate and geography of the Abruzzo town.

Physical geography

Territory

The municipal territory extends along the Abruzzo Adriatic coast and is crossed by the Alento river, while the Foro river marks the southern boundary with Ortona. Divided between a narrow coastal plain and the immediately neighboring hilly strip, the urban center mainly develops on the shore.

Climate

The city's climate is warm temperate and presents Mediterranean characteristics, with temperatures ranging from 6.4°C in January to 23.6°C in July. Winters are mild, while summers are warm, but not torrid. Precipitation, amounting to 730 mm per year, is concentrated primarily between September and April.

Origins of the name

The name Francavilla refers to its ancient exemption from fiscal obligations, while Villa indicates the town. The specification "al Mare" was added in 1863 to distinguish the town from the numerous Italian centers with the same name.

History

Origins and middle ages

The settlement was probably established in Lombard times and was part of the Duchy of Spoleto. In the 13th century, a flourishing commercial activity centered on the port developed, which had its own salt depot.

In 1307, the "Assumption Fair" was established, which contributed significantly to the city's economic development.

The historic center, unfortunately almost entirely destroyed during World War II, was situated on a hill facing the sea and was surrounded by perimeter walls with three gates, and defended by twelve towers.

Conclusion

Francavilla al Mare is therefore a town with a thousand-year history that offers its visitors the opportunity to visit places of great artistic and cultural value, immersed in a territory of rare beauty.

Elisa Lombardi
Updated Sunday, Jun 26, 2022