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Locorotondo

Locorotondo
Comune
Comune di Locorotondo
View from the Itria Valley
View from the Itria Valley
Coat of arms of Locorotondo
Coat of arms
Locorotondo is located in Italy
Locorotondo
Locorotondo
Location of Locorotondo in Italy
Coordinates: 40°45′N 17°19′E / 40.750°N 17.317°E / 40.750; 17.317Coordinates: 40°45′N 17°19′E / 40.750°N 17.317°E / 40.750; 17.317
Country Italy
Region  Apulia
Province / Metropolitan city Bari (BA)
Government
 • Mayor Tommaso Scatigna
Area
 • Total 47 km2 (18 sq mi)
Elevation 410 m (1,350 ft)
Population (31 May 2007)
 • Total 14,108
 • Density 300/km2 (780/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Locorotondesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 70010
Dialing code 080
Patron saint St. Roch/St. George
Saint day 16 August/23 April
Website Official website

Locorotondo is a town and comune of the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia, southern Italy, with a population of about 14,000. The city is known for its wines and for its circular structure which is now a historical center, from which derives its name, which means "Round place". It is located in south-east Murgia, deep in the Itria Valley, dotted with white prehistoric roundhouses called trulli.

Locorotondo is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

The site has been settled since ancient times, as testified by archaeological finds dating between the 3rd and the 7th century BC. The foundation of the town dates back to around 1000 AD as an unfortified hamlet under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine monastery of St. Stephen in Monopoli. The estate of various feudal lords for 500 years, it saw an increase in population, housing development, and the construction of the walls and castle. The Caracciolo family, Dukes of Martina Franca and the last feudal lords, remained in Locorotondo until the beginning of the 19th century.

Locorotondo's heritage includes the Mother Church of "St. George the Martyr", built between 1769 and 1821 and including 14th century basreliefs; the church of "San Rocco", the Romanesque church of "Our Lady of Greece". The beauty of the historic centre is also represented by a labyrinth of white alleys, jealously guarded by their inhabitants. The houses are topped with unusual pitched roofs called "cummerse", a feature typical of the historical centre of Locorotondo.

The Locorotondo countryside is an example of an area of dispersed settlements (jazzelere) and has an abundance of trulli dwellings which were built around a communal area called "jazzile". This settlement pattern is due in large part to emphyteutic leases, particularly in the 19th century for the development of vineyards.


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Wikipedia

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