Rocchetta Sant'Antonio
La Rocchetta Sant'Antonio
La Rocchetta Sant'Antonio, also known as "La Rocca" or "La Ròcche" in the local dialect, is a town located in the province of Foggia in Puglia. The town has 1685 inhabitants and is known for its rich history and monuments.
Origins of the name
La Rocchetta Sant'Antonio has changed many names throughout its history. Originally it was called "Oppidum Rocca", then "Roccette Sancti Antimi", "Rocce Sant'Antimo", "Sant'Antimo in Rocca", "Rocchetta di Puglia" and finally Rocchetta Sant'Antonio.
History
In the eighteenth century, the town was part of the province of Principato Ultra and in the period 1743-46 it was under the jurisdiction of the "regio consolato di commercio" of Ariano Irpino. It therefore belonged to the province of Avellino up until 1939.
Madonna del Pozzo
One of the most interesting stories about Rocchetta Sant'Antonio is that of the Madonna del Pozzo. In 1709, during the sowing of the fields, a farmer named Giuseppe Mastrostefano prayed to the Madonna for water for irrigation. The Madonna granted his request and Giuseppe felt very lucky. This story quickly spread and soon the water of the Madonna del Pozzo was used to cure the sick.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of the municipality of Rocchetta Sant'Antonio were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on April 7th, 2003. The flag is a yellow and red banner.
Monuments and places of interest
Rocchetta Sant'Antonio is famous for its castle of the counts of Aquino, of medieval origin.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Rocchetta Sant'Antonio has grown over the years, reaching 1685 inhabitants.
Languages and dialects
The local dialect is part of the group of Puglia dialects ## Dialetti dei Monti Dauni, presenting transitional features towards the Irpinian dialects spoken in the extreme hinterland of Campania.
Culture
Events
Rally Puglia & Lucania
One of the most important events in Rocchetta Sant'Antonio is the Rally Puglia & Lucania. This off-road car race, born in 1980 and initially called "Rally del Vulture", starts from Melfi and involves several municipalities in the northern sector of the province of Potenza, including Atella, Bella, Rapone, Rionero, Ruvo del Monte, San Fele and Lacedonia (Avellino). The most spectacular special stage takes place on the roads of the Contrade San Luca and Mezzana, up to the communal road to Lacedonia and the little church of the Madonna del Pozzo, before ending at the outskirts of the town. The race is now the most important automotive sports event in Puglia and Basilicata.
Infrastructure and transport
The railway station of Rocchetta Sant'Antonio is served by the Foggia-Potenza railway lines, the Avellino-Rocchetta Sant'Antonio railway and the Rocchetta Sant'Antonio-Gioia del Colle railway, all managed by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana.
Administration
Below is a table of the administrations that have succeeded in the municipality of Rocchetta Sant'Antonio.
Twinning
Notes
Related voices
- Comunità montana dei Monti Dauni Meridionali
- Madonna del Pozzo
- Monti della Daunia
Other projects
External links
Category: Rocchetta Sant'Antonio.
