Farnetta

Farnetta Castrum Farnectae
Frazione
Farnetta Location of Farnetta in Italy
Coordinates: 42°40′N 12°30′E / 42.667°N 12.500°E / 42.667; 12.500Coordinates: 42°40′N 12°30′E / 42.667°N 12.500°E / 42.667; 12.500
Country	Italy
Region	UMB
Province	TR
Comune	Montecastrilli
Elevation	385 m (1,263 ft)
Population  (31 August 2007)
• Total	283
Demonym(s)	Farnettani
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	05026
Dialing code	0744
Patron saint	St. Rita
Saint day	May 22
Website	Official website

Farnetta is a small village in the countryside, 16 miles northwest of the Italian city of Terni, Umbria. It is included in the comune of Montecastrilli in the province of Terni (central Italy). It has a population of 283.

Farnetta derives its name from the old Latin name Quercus Frainetto. It is reputed to be one of Umbria's smallest villages. It has several farms and houses, and a church, dedicated to St Nicolaus, which has its origins in the 16th century but underwent heavy restoration in 1860. The church has been designated by .^{[clarification needed]}

On a nearby hill are the remains of a Medieval hill fort known as Palombara, and the 10th- to 11th-century Romanesque Church of San Lorenzo in Nifili. San Lorenzo was built on the remains of a Roman building, and incorporates large stone blocks from that building. The church is located on an important Roman road (Via Amerina) connecting Amelia to Todi and Perugia.

History[]

It is likely that the area was also inhabited in the Iron Age and throughout the Roman period. Close to the Roman roads Amerina and Flaminia, the area has numerous elements of early Roman infrastructure, indicating that it was extensively settled.

The village's name's is traditionally connected to the toponym Quercus frainetto, a species of oak.

The village was later part of the Terre Arnolfe, and later subjected to Todi and Terni. Farnetta was listed in the Farfa Abbey register in 1112.

Main sights[]

Farnetta is 385 meters above sea level. The Farnetta Natural Park is a protected area (Zona di ripopolamento e cattura) that covers a part of the village. Trails cross the park.

Its historical center was once surrounded by medieval walls. Most of them have been dismantled, leaving only short stretches and a few cylindrical towers that served as part of the town's defenses.

The church of San Nicolo (Nicolaus), in the old part of the village, was begun in the 16th century and completed in the 19th century by the Nevi family. It includes 17th- and 18th-century paintings.

Dunarobba Fossil Forest[]

The Fossil Forest of Dunarobba, 3 km from Farnetta, is one of the world's oldest forests. Two million years ago, the oceans withdrew from the area, leaving an ancient lake, Tiberino. Water runoff from the emerging hills and mountains carried large quantities of sediments which, along with tectonic movements, covered the forest's giant trees and preserved them.

Culture[]

Farnetta is known for its Feast of St. Rita, held the last week of May. During the feast, local residents organize a trattoria with traditional food.

Other medieval towns and villages are present near Farnetta: Todi (17 km), Sangemini, (10 km), Spoleto (42 km), Carsulae (12 km) and Orvieto (38 km).

Transport[]

Farnetta is served by Bus Italia services to Terni, Todi, Sangemini, Montecastrilli, Avigliano and Amelia.

Economy[]

Agriculture was important for Farnetta's rural development and poverty reduction. Today the village has made use of its past and created a tourist industry; many people enjoy agriturismi (farm holidays) in the area.

Demography[]

The population of the civil parish, recorded in the 2001 census, is 246. In the 13th century the population was about 500 (96 fireplaces).^[1]

List of people from Farnetta[]

• Angelo Nevi, Prior of the Comune di Montecastrilli in the 19th century

References[]

External links[]

• www.comune.montecastrilli.tr.it/
• www.farnetta.it/