Laurino

Infobox CityIT
official_name = Comune di Laurino
img_coa =
img_coa_small =


image_caption =
region = RegioneIT|sigla=CAM
province = #ifeq:CAM|VAO|none|ProvinciaIT (short form)|sigla=SA (SA)
mayor =
mayor_party =
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m = 531
area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 = 69
population_footnotes =
population_as_of =
population_total = 1950
pop_density_footnotes =
population_density_km2 = 28
coordinates = coord|40|20|0|N|15|20|0|E|region:IT_type:city(1950)
gentilic = Laurinesi
telephone = 0974
postalcode = 84057
frazioni = Villa Littorio, Pruno
saint = Sant'Eliena di Laurino
day = 22 May
mapx = #expr:40 + 20 / 60.0
mapy = #expr:15 + 20 / 60.0
locator_position =
native_name = Laurino
name = Laurino
website = http://www.comune.laurino.sa.it/
Laurino is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of south-western Italy.

Geography

Laurino is a typical medieval hill town of the Cilento, the southernmost part of Campania. It dominates the surrounding landscape, overlooking the Calore lucano river, which is crossed by two medieval bridges; Laurino was once known as the "pearl of the Calore". The river flows through the Cilento national park from its source up on Monte Cervati; it is known for the wildlife it attracts, such as European otters. There are many laurel trees in the area, which probably gave their name to the village via the Latin "Laurus" or "Laurinus".

History

The settlement goes back to pre-Christian times. In the 12th century the total population exceeded 20,000, spread between the main town and five surrounding villages. However Laurino was destroyed by the troops of Frederick III of Sicily during the War of the Sicilian Vespers (1282-1302).

Due to migration in recent decades toward the north in search for employment, the current population is just under 2000.

ights

There are many reminders of past glories in Laurino, from the ruins of the ducal palace to the frescos and wooden carvings of the main church, Santa Maria Maggiore. Today the place is known for its natural environment, and initiatives such as the Jazz in Laurino festival in August.

ee also

*Pruno Cilento, the biggest forest of the Cilento

Notes and references

External links

* [http://www.laurino.info Laurino.info] Photoblog