Leonessa
Leonessa: a small town in Lazio
Hello everyone! Today we will be talking about Leonessa, a town in the province of Rieti, in Lazio, with a population of about 2,130 inhabitants. Founded in 1278, it was part of the Abruzzo region for over six centuries and later passed onto Lazio in 1927.
Leonessa is a tourist town, perfect both for visiting cultural monuments during the summer and skiing in winter at the Campo Stella ski resort, located on the northern slope of Mount Terminillo. Not only is the area beautiful, but the town itself has been awarded the orange flag.
Physical geography
Territory
Leonessa is the largest municipality in terms of territorial extension in Central Italy above 600 meters, and is the second largest in the province of Rieti. It is located in northern Lazio and extends from the Val Leonina (or Vallonina) descending from the Sella di Leonessa, then stretching on the eponymous plateau of Leonessa up to the border with Umbria.
The municipal territory rises on several peaks such as Mount Cambio (), Mount I Porcini (), Tavola Hill (), Prato Pecoraro Hill (), Mount San Venanzio (), Costa Acera Mount (), Tilia Mount (), Arcioni Mount (), Leprino Hill (), Caromano Mount (), Fao Forca (), Collelungo (Rivodutri) (), Fazzolettone Mount (), Nocella Mount (), Lepre Mount (). The Corno river (Lazio river) also flows in the area.
Climate
Leonessa's climate belongs to zone E, 2901 GR / G.
History
Leonessa was founded in 1278 through the fusion of pre-existing castles, on the plateau at the base of Mount Tilia. In the 15th and 16th centuries there were numerous industries, mainly wool, which found outlets in markets such as Ascoli Piceno and Farfa. In 1500, the city passed to the Farnese, with Margaret of Austria as its lady.
The area suffered a hard blow during the Aquila earthquake of 1703, with many public buildings destroyed and many fractions damaged. However, in 1737 and 1746, despite economic difficulties, Leonessa experienced a moment of glory with the beatification and canonization of the Capuchin friar Eufranio Desideri, known as Giuseppe da Leonessa. Until 1860, Leonessa was a municipality of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until it was conquered by the Kingdom of Sardinia, which in 1861 became the Kingdom of Italy.
Conclusions
Leonessa is a city full of history and culture, with a spectacular climate and vast natural territory, perfect for discovering the unspoiled landscapes of northern Lazio. The city is definitely a perfect destination for a day trip, whether you are interested in history, culture or skiing. If you come across the opportunity to visit Leonessa, don't hesitate!
