Saracinesco
| Saracinesco | |
|---|---|
| Comune | |
| Comune di Saracinesco | |
 Saracinesco
|
|
| Coordinates: 42°0′N 12°57′E / 42.000°N 12.950°ECoordinates: 42°0′N 12°57′E / 42.000°N 12.950°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Province / Metropolitan city | Rome (RM) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Marco Orsola (since 7 June 2009) (Lista civica) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 11.0 km2 (4.2 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 908 m (2,979 ft) |
| Population (Dec. 2004) | |
| • Total | 169 |
| • Density | 15/km2 (40/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Saracinescani |
| Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
| • Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
| Postal code | 00020 |
| Dialing code | 0774 |
| Patron saint | St. Michael Archangel |
| Saint day | Last Sunday in September |
Saracinesco is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Rome in the Italian region Lazio, located about 40 kilometres (25 mi) northeast of Rome. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 169 and an area of 11.0 square kilometres (4.2 sq mi).
Saracinesco borders the following municipalities: Anticoli Corrado, Cerreto Laziale, Mandela, Rocca Canterano, Sambuci, Vicovaro. It lies on top of one of the highest mountains in the Aniene river valley.
It has been described as situated "in a most singular and inaccessible position" and as "remarkable for the ancient costumes and customs of its inhabitants."
The town was created after a group of raiding Arabs (known by medieval Italians as the Saracens) were cut off from the main Muslim force following the 846 Arab raid against Rome. These trapped Arabs took refuge on top of the rocky outcrop that would become the settlement of Saracinesco. They wisely decided to convert to Christianity as a condition of their surrender to local forces, and as a result were allowed to settle on their mountain refuge, forming Saracinesco. Their descendants include the modern dwellers of the village, such as Giuseppe Dell'Ali, who was recorded as the village mayor in 2005. In 2011, the succeeding mayor acknowledged the Arab heritage of the village.
The name Saracinesco appears in an inscription dated to 1052 under the name Rocca Sarraceniscum.
The little mountain town of Saracinesco, some 20 kilometres (12 mi) east of Tivoli, has several claims to fame. Founded by Saracens, it is Lazio's smallest comune or municipality with a mere 160 inhabitants. It also has a unique outdoor Museum of Time, with fascinating models of ancient and unusual sundials displayed on street corners and in small squares.
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Wikipedia