Corato

Corato
Comune
Comune di Corato
Town hall.
Coat of arms
Corato Location of Corato in Italy
Coordinates: 41°9′N 16°24′E / 41.150°N 16.400°E / 41.150; 16.400
Country	Italy
Region	Apulia
Province / Metropolitan city	Bari (BA)
Frazioni	Oasi di Nazareth
Government
• Mayor	Massimo Mazzilli
Area
• Total	167 km2 (64 sq mi)
Elevation	232 m (761 ft)
Population (30 November 2015)
• Total	48,298
• Density	290/km2 (750/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Coratini
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	70033
Dialing code	080
Patron saint	St. Catald
Saint day	10 May
Website	Official website

Corato is a town and comune in Italy. It is located in the Bari province of the Apulian region, in southeastern Italy. Founded by the Normans, it became subject to Alfonso V, king of Aragon, at the end of the 15th century, and later to the Carafa family. The chief feature of the old town centre, which is surrounded by modern buildings, is the Romanesque church. It is a twin city of Grenoble, France, where many Coratini immigrated during the 20th century.

Corato was founded in 1046 by Peter I of Trani, adding a castle, four angular towers, the perimetery enclosing walls, four access gates, and two main perpendicular streets. These elements, typical of a mediaeval town, were preserved until the 16th century. From the 17th century onwards Corato started to extend from all four sides of the Norman falling walls, and numerous churches and aristocratic palaces were built.

Today Corato is an agricultural and industrial centre of the hinterland of Bari, placed 43 kilometres (27 mi) west from it and at 232 metres (761 ft) above sea level. It is well known for the olive production: the Coratina olive's name comes from Corato.

On 12 July 2016, a head-on collision between two passenger trains occurred near Corato. At least 23 people were killed and dozens more injured.

Corato is twinned with:

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Wikipedia