Guardialfiera
| Guardialfiera | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Guardialfiera | |
Guardialfiera skyline
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 Guardialfiera
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| Coordinates: 41°48′N 14°48′E / 41.800°N 14.800°ECoordinates: 41°48′N 14°48′E / 41.800°N 14.800°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Molise |
| Province / Metropolitan city | Province of Campobasso (CB) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 43.2 km2 (16.7 sq mi) |
| Population (Dec. 2004) | |
| • Total | 1,185 |
| • Density | 27/km2 (71/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 86030 |
| Dialing code | 0874 |
| Patron saint | Saint Gaudentius |
| Saint day | June 1st and 2nd |
| Website | http://www.comune.guardialfiera.cb.it/ |
Guardialfiera is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian region Molise, located about 30 kilometres (19 mi) northeast of Campobasso. It sits on a hilltop overlooking Lake Guardialfiera, which was created as a result of the damming of the Biferno river. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,185 and an area of 43.2 square kilometres (16.7 sq mi).
Guardialfiera borders the following municipalities: Acquaviva Collecroce, Casacalenda, Castelmauro, Civitacampomarano, Larino, Lupara, Palata.
The town of Guardialfiera has been continuously inhabited since at least the 11th century. Reports exist that a Roman tower was visible on the western edge of the town until the 10th century. The origin of the town’s name is uncertain, although it is likely that the name is derived from either the “Guards of Alfier” or the “Guards of Adalferio”, named after the Lombard ruler of Larino who in 1049 conquered the town.
In 1053 it is likely that Pope Leo IX used Guardialfiera as a base in order to launch an attack against the Normans who had occupied the nearby town of Larino in 1050. On June 18, 1053 the Norman Count of Apulia, Humphrey of Hauteville defeated Pope Leo IX at the Battle of Civitate. The Episcopal Seat of Guardialfiera was established in 1061 by Pope Alexander II likely in recognition of the town’s role in the events of 1053.
In 1130 the town was conquered by the Norman king Roger II of Sicily. Subsequently it was ruled by the Soliaco family until 1350, then the Marzano family. In 1550 the land passed to the Di Capua family then to the De Blaiis and in 1636 the Ferri, rulers of Lupara. In 1649 the last of the Ferri family died without any heirs and Guardialfiera was donated to Serafino Biscardi. In 1688 the town was rebuilt after it was completely destroyed by an earthquake. Constantino Lemaitre bought the town's land in 1793 in order to gain the title of Marquis. The Lemaitre family were the last feudal lords to control Guardialfiera when the feudal system was suppressed in 1806.
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Wikipedia