- Fonni
Infobox CityIT
img_coa =Fonni-Stemma.png
region =Sardinia
province = Nuoro (NU)
elevation_m = 1000
area_total_km2 = 112.30
population_as_of =
population_total = 4371
population_density_km2 = 38.92
timezone = CET,UTC+1
coordinates = coord|40|07|N|09|15|E
frazioni =
telephone = 0784
postalcode = 08023
gentilic = Fonnesi
saint =St. John the Baptist
day =June 24
mayor =
website = [http://www.fonni.net www.fonni.net]Fonni is a town in
Sardinia , in theprovince of Nuoro (Italy ).It is the highest town in Sardinia, and situated among fine scenery with some chestnut woods. Fonni is a winter sports centre with a ski lift to
Monte Spada andBruncu Spina .History
The term "Fonni" probably derives from the
Latin "fons" that it means Fontain or also "God of the sources". In fact the village counts numerous spring fountains.Main sights
Fonni's territory is home to the very important Sanctuary of the Vergine dei Martiri from the 18th century which is a destination for pilgrims right next to the Franciscans Convent. The church was built in 1708 in Baroque style and contains some curious paintings by local artists.
Another important church built in the 11th century is the Patron Saint church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the oldest section of the village also known as "Su Piggiu".
A little to the south of Fonni stood the Roman station of
Sorabile , mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary as situated some 100 km fromCaralis on the road toOlbia . Excavations made in 1879 and 1880 led to the discovery of the remains of this station, arranged round three sides of a courtyard some roo ft. square, including traces of baths and other buildings, and a massive embanking wall above them, some 150 ft. in length, to protect them from landslips, while a discharge certificate (tabula honestae missionis) of sailors who had served in theRavenna 's fleet was found in some ruins here or hereabouts. Near Fonni, too, are severalmenhir s (called "pietre celtiche" in the district) and other prehistoric remains like nuraghes.Costumes
The local costumes are extremely picturesque, and are well seen on the day of
St John the Baptist , the patron saint. The men's costume is similar to that worn in the district generally; the linen trousers are long and black gaiters are worn. The women wear a white chemise; over that a very small corselet, and over that a red jacket with blue and black velvet facings. The skirt is brown above and red below, with a blue band between the two colours; it is accordion-pleated. Two identical skirts are often worn, one above the other. The unmarried girls wear white kerchiefs, the married women black.ee also
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