Laurino

Laurino
Comune
Comune di Laurino
Panoramic view of Laurino
Coat of arms
Laurino within the Province of Salerno
Laurino Location of Laurino in Italy
Coordinates: 40°20′N 15°20′E / 40.333°N 15.333°E / 40.333; 15.333
Country	Italy
Region	Campania
Province / Metropolitan city	Salerno (SA)
Frazioni	Pruno, Villa Littorio
Government
• Mayor	Romano Gregorio
Area
• Total	69 km2 (27 sq mi)
Elevation	531 m (1,742 ft)
Population (1 December 2009)
• Total	1,758
• Density	25/km2 (66/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Laurinesi
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
• Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	84057
Dialing code	0974
Patron saint	Sant'Eliena di Laurino
Saint day	22 May
Website	Official website

Laurino is a town and comune in the province of Salerno in the Campania region of southwestern Italy. Laurino currently holds a population of 1,758 inhabitants.

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 Mount 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.

The municipality borders with Bellosguardo, Campora, Felitto, Magliano Vetere, Novi Velia, Piaggine, Rofrano, Roscigno, Sacco, Stio and Valle dell'Angelo. It counts two hamlets (frazioni): Pruno and Villa Littorio.

The settlement goes back to pre-Christian times. In the 12th century the total population exceeded 3,500, 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).