Roccafranca
The city of Roccafranca: focus on its physical geography
The city of Roccafranca is a beautiful town in the province of Brescia, located in lower Bresciana. Roccafranca is situated on the left bank of the Oglio river. The municipality's territory is elongated in the north and extends towards Chiari. The locality of San Fermo is also present in the territory of Roccafranca. To the southeast, Ludriano is located, which was an autonomous municipality before its annexation to Roccafranca in 1900. Roccafranca occupies an area of 19.13 km², and the average altitude is 117 m above sea level. This territory is crossed by numerous watercourses; in addition to the Oglio river, there are also irrigation ditches and canals managed by the Roggia Vescovada reclamation consortium.
Discover the climate of Roccafranca
Being in the Po Valley, the climate of Roccafranca is continental, characterized by cold winters with many frosty and rainy days. As is well known, summer in the Roccafranca area is known to be very hot and humid, and although moderately rainy, temperatures can exceed 30°C. We cannot forget that fog characterizes Roccafranca's winter, which can last for weeks, creating a unique and fascinating atmosphere.
History of Roccafranca: the past of the municipality
The municipality of Roccafranca has ancient origins, dating back to the 4th century when a group of Celts settled in the current town of Roccafranca. In 1368, Roccafranca became part of the possessions of the queen of Scala, while in 1426 it separated from Brescia, and two years later, it was annexed to the territories of Carmagnola, replaced later by the Albini family who, in turn, were replaced in 1453 by Francesco Sforza.
Points of interest in Roccafranca
The name of the town seems to derive from the castle and appears for the first time in a thirteenth-century document. In the territory of Roccafranca, there is the parish church dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, where fragments of some 16th-century frescoes are preserved. In the city, there is also a palace built by the Martinengo family, where 16th-century frescoes with the signature of Lattanzio Gambara can be found. Since 1695, Roccafranca has always celebrated with great solemnity the "fistù," a five-yearly festival that takes place in May and has both religious and folkloristic significance. In fact, the three martyrs venerated in Roccafranca (Santa Chiara, San Vincenzo, and San Vittorino) are remembered not only with the usual religious celebrations but also with "festoni," triumphant decorations in the form of arches, from which the name "arcate" derives. Each family prepares its own festone to adorn the doors and windows of the houses in the village. The tradition has remained intact for centuries, and the arcate of Roccafranca have always stimulated the ingenuity of the inhabitants in elaborating arches that distinguished themselves for beauty, originality, and innovation.
Conclusion
Roccafranca is a city that has a lot to offer from the point of view of its geographic landscape and its rich history. The hot summer and cold winter climate, the presence of rivers, irrigation ditches, and canals, and the strong tradition of "fistù" all maintain its charm intact, making it a very interesting place to visit. Special mention should be made of the care and love devoted to the preparation of the arches for the "fistù" festival, which transforms the city into a magical and lively place. Visiting Roccafranca is the only way to fully discover the beauty of this wonderful city.
