Francolise
Let's discover Francolise, the municipality in the province of Caserta
Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you on a journey to discover Francolise, a quaint town of about 4,607 inhabitants located in the province of Caserta, in Campania.
Physical geography
Located in the Terra di Lavoro, Francolise is situated to the right of the Volturno river, not far from Teano. The town is perched on a hill and boasts a gentle and uniform landscape, with splendid Mediterranean scenery composed of furrows of crops, orchards, rows of vines, and numerous streams.
Origins and history
The name "Francolise" has several hypotheses about its origin. Some argue that it derives from the Latin word Fortuna, because there was a temple dedicated to the Goddess Fortuna in the city. Others, instead, believe that it derives from the Latin personal name Franculus or Francone, to which the suffix -ensis is added indicating belonging.
Symbols
The coat of arms of Francolise is composed of a silver tower with four merlons, five silver stars arranged in an arc, and a tree that sinks its roots into a green hill. On the hill are depicted a golden ear of wheat and an olive branch crossed.
Monuments and places of interest
Castle
The medieval castle of Francolise, of irregular shape, was built in the second half of the 9th century by the Normans, commissioned by Cardinal Benedetto Caetani D'Anagni or Saint Thomas Aquinas. The castle hosted many important figures, including noble Barons, Pope Boniface VIII, King Charles of Bourbon and his consort. The castle is located on a limestone ridge and is one of the symbols of the town.
Church of Santa Maria a Castello
The church of Santa Maria a Castello is a place of worship and healing for the military and inhabitants of Francolise. The façade of the church is characterized by a Romanesque portal and rose window, as well as a Gothic bell tower.
Economic activities
Francolise derives sustenance from agricultural activities, tertiary sector, and, to a lesser extent, from the industrial sector of tobacco processing. The plain center is in a phase of significant building expansion and is divided between the town center, the locality of Montanaro, and Sant'Andrea del Pizzone. There are also extensions of spontaneous vegetation.
I hope this brief guide has piqued your interest in Francolise and that it has given you the desire to visit this magnificent municipality in the province of Caserta.
