Francavilla Fontana (Francavillese: Francaìdda [fɾaŋkaˈiɖɖa]) is a town and comune (municipality) in the province of Brindisi and region of Apulia, in southern Italy. It is also called the town of the "Imperiali", after the Imperiali, a family of feudal lords who ruled the town from the end of 16th century until the 18th century. With a population of 36,358, in 2017,[2][3] it is the third municipality of its province after Brindisi and Fasano. Its one of the many towns in south Italy where the Greek dialect Griko is spoken.
![]() | This article may be expanded with text translated from the corresponding article in Italian. (August 2014) Click [show] for important translation instructions.
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Francavilla Fontana | |
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Comune | |
Comune di Francavilla Fontana | |
![]() View of a road in the old town | |
![]() Francavilla within the Province of Brindisi | |
Location of Francavilla Fontana ![]() | |
![]() ![]() Francavilla Fontana Location of Francavilla Fontana in Italy Show map of Italy![]() ![]() Francavilla Fontana Francavilla Fontana (Apulia) Show map of Apulia | |
Coordinates: 40°32′N 17°35′E | |
Country | Italy |
Region | Apulia |
Province | Brindisi (BR) |
Frazioni | Bax Capece |
Government | |
• Mayor | Antonello Denuzzo |
Area | |
• Total | 175 km2 (68 sq mi) |
Elevation | 142 m (466 ft) |
Population | |
• Total | 36,358 |
• Density | 210/km2 (540/sq mi) |
Demonym | Francavillesi |
Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Postal code | 72021 |
Dialing code | 0831 |
Patron saint | Madonna della Fontana |
Saint day | September 14 |
Website | Official website |
The name Francavilla has French-Norman origins: "Franca" (tax-free) and "villa" (town). The specification Fontana ("fountain") alludes to a vision of the Virgin Mary witnessed by Prince Filippo d'Angiò, who hence declaring the town a tax-free haven, according to the local legend.
Francavilla is located in the Altosalento, on the last Murge's hills, and it is equidistant, about 35 kilometres (22 mi), from Taranto and Brindisi. The municipality borders with Ceglie Messapica, Grottaglie, Latiano, Manduria, Oria, San Marzano di San Giuseppe, San Michele Salentino, San Vito dei Normanni, Sava and Villa Castelli.[4]
The town, 18 km east of Taranto-Grottaglie Airport, is served by the SS7 "Appia" highway. The local railway station is a junction point between the lines Taranto–Brindisi, owned by the national company FS, and Martina–Lecce, owned by FSE. It is served by regional and, on the Taranto-Brindisi line, by long-distance trains also.
The local football club is the Virtus Francavilla, that has its home ground in John Paul II Stadium.
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Francavilla Fontana on OpenStreetMap
Apulia · Comuni of the Province of Brindisi | ||
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