Monterotondo

Monterotondo
Comune
Comune di Monterotondo

The Cathedral of Monterotondo.
Monterotondo

Location of Monterotondo in Italy

Coordinates: 42°03′N 12°37′E / 42.050°N 12.617°E / 42.050; 12.617
Country Italy
Region Lazio
Province / Metropolitan city Rome
Government
  Mayor Mauro Alessandri
Area
  Total 40 km2 (20 sq mi)
Elevation 165 m (541 ft)
Population (30 September 2015)
  Total 40,872
  Density 1,000/km2 (2,600/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Eretini or Monterotondesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 00015, 00016
Dialing code 06
Patron saint Sts. Philip and James
Saint day May 11
Website Official website

Monterotondo is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Rome, central Italy.

History

According to some historians, Monterotondo is the heir of ancient Sabine town of Eretum, although the modern settlement appeared in the 10th-11th centuries in a different location. The name derives from the medieval corruption (then Mons Teres, then Monte Ritondo) of the original Mons Eretum.

Monterotondo seen from the Tiber valley.

In the Middle Ages, due to its location across the Via Salaria, Monterotondo was a strategic point for the defense of Rome. Initially under the Capocci family, it was sold in the 12th century to the Orsini, who held it until the 18th century. In 1432 it was seized by the condottiero Niccolò Fortebraccio, and in 1485 it was set on fire by the Orsini.

In 1634 the Barberini acquired the town, restoring or enlarging several edifices, and building the Cathedral (1639). On 28 April 1864 the Rome and Monterotondo Rail Road was opened for service.

In 1943, after the Italian armistice with the Allies, 800 German paratroopers tried unsuccessfully to reconquer it.

Main sights

The Tiber valley seen from Monterotondo, looking almost exactly north (≈ 5°).



This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 2/10/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.