Rocca Contrada
| Arcevia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Comune | ||
| Città di Arcevia | ||
 |
||
|
||
 Arcevia
|
||
| Coordinates: 43°30′N 12°56′E / 43.500°N 12.933°E | ||
| Country | Italy | |
| Region | Marche | |
| Province / Metropolitan city | Ancona (AN) | |
| Frazioni | Avacelli, Castiglioni, Caudino, Colle Aprico, Conce di Arcevia, Costa, Loretello, Magnadorsa, Montale, Monte Sant'Angelo, Nidastore, Palazzo, Piticchio, Prosano, Ripalta, San Ginesio di Arcevia, San Giovanni Battista, San Pietro in Musio, Sant'Apollinare, Santo Stefano | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Andrea Bomprezzi | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 126.25 km2 (48.75 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 535 m (1,755 ft) | |
| Population (28 February 2009) | ||
| • Total | 5,113 | |
| • Density | 40/km2 (100/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Arceviesi | |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
| Postal code | 60011 | |
| Dialing code | 0731 | |
| Patron saint | St. Medardus | |
| Saint day | June 8 | |
| Website | Official website | |
Arcevia is a comune in the Province of Ancona of the region of Marche, Italy.
According to tradition, Arcevia originates from a Gallic settlement anterior to the Roman conquest of Italy; following that, it became overshadowed by more important nearby cities, such as Suasa.
Under the name of Rocca Contrada, the town was fortified by Pippin the Younger, King of the Franks, and was then donated by Charlemagne to the Papal States. In the following centuries, Arcevia played a key role in the local balance of power, located as it was at the border of the Marca di Ancona, Umbria, and the Duchy of Urbino. In 1201, Rocca Contrada proclaimed itself a commune independent from Rome, and was indeed recognised as civitas (Latin for "city") by pope Clement IV in 1266, and remained a guelph city ever since.
Known on a local scale for its military might, Rocca Contrada became entwined in the struggles between the numerous conflicts between local powers, until in the 15th century it found itself under siege by Ladislaus, King of Naples, and decided to call upon the help of famous condottiero Braccio da Montone. The latter vanquished the assailants and reconquered the castles around Arcevia they had occupied; for this he was proclaimed Signore of the city. Later on, the troops of Francesco Sforza overtook Rocca Contrada, which, after several vicissitudes, ended up under the rule of the guelph Malatesta family.
...
Wikipedia