Zungoli

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Template:Comune

1 ZUNGOLI
2 The Castle
3 The Franciscan Convent
4 History and Origins
5 Norman domination
6 The Name of Zungoli
7 Collegamenti esterni

[edit] ZUNGOLI

The town of Zungoli rises to an elevation of 680 m. above sea level, and has a surface area of 19.13 sq. km. Set on the right bank of the stream Vallone, it rests on a small hill along the slopes of a higher land formation known as Toppo dell’Anno. The urban center is enveloped by an isosceles triangle of sorts, with its base towards northeast and its vertex to southwest. A chain of high grounds belonging to the Apennines mountain range surrounds the village. It is a member of the Ufita Mountain Community. The population of about 1400 is chiefly devoted to agriculture.

[edit] The Castle

The fencing and linking walls, over one meter thick, enclose a 20 by 26-m. rectangular area. The average height of the structure is 20 meters. The courtyard within has an area of about 80 sq. meters. Three of the original four towers are still standing. The fourth and tallest, on the northern side, is believed to have crumbled during the earthquake of 1456. The castle has been the property of the Susanna family since1825, and is today the occasional residence of its owners.

[edit] The Franciscan Convent

The Convent was erected at the foot of the village, beyond the ancient walls. It was originally the site of a small chapel, the San Cataldo Church, build by Giordano, the lord of the Castle. A date on the keystone of the cloister’s entrance seems to set the origins of the structure at around the middle of the 16th century. Often suppressed throughout the centuries, it has always been retaken by the Reformed Franciscan Brothers, which are there today. The front of the adjoining church displays two circular windows and a portal with an epistyle and a superposed ribbed arch. The interior, a rectangular hall with transept, exhibits a walnut choir inlaid and carved by an anonymous monk in 1792. Other items of interest within the choir are a finely inlaid lectern, a painting of the Immaculate and, towards the main altar, a wooden statue of the Crowned Madonna.

[edit] History and Origins

Ancient is the origin of Zungoli, but not as remote as some believe. We think it dates back to the period preceding the invasions by the Saracens (829-983 AD). Its cluster came to be as a result of a progressive agglomeration of hamlets the people of the area build along the slope of the hill to seek shelter from the furors of nature.

[edit] Norman domination

The Normans were a Germanic people from the barren Scandinavian Peninsula. Towards the end of the 9th century, led by Rollone (Roberto), they settled in northern France (Normandy). From there, three times they came to the Neapolitan region. Zungoli fell under their control in the first half of the 11th century. During this period, violent skirmishes between the Normans and the Greeks were not uncommon. In order to protect their conquered territory and population the Normans built, high above, a permanent fortress which is still standing today.

[edit] The Name of Zungoli

In those times when barbarian invasions were a common occurrence, the lands either gave to or took the name from their lord. Zungoli derived from Curolo, a Norman captain known as Leander Giungolo or Iuncolo who was, according to some, sent to this area to build a stronghold and secure control.