The historic quarters of L'Aquila ( Italian: Quarti dell'Aquila ) are the four city blocks of the Italian city of L'Aquila (L'Aquila), founded in 1276 by Lucchezino da Ferenze, a city captain, modeled on the municipalities of Tuscany, of which he was a native. Since then, two districts are located in the west of the city, from the side of the ancient Amiternum (whose ruins are located several kilometers west of L'Aquila), and the other two in the east, from the side of ancient Forkon . All four quarters have their own colors, coats of arms and banners.
| L'Aquila Quarters | |
|---|---|
| Quarti dell'ququila | |
 Quarters San Pietro, San Giovanni, San Giorgio, Santa Maria | |
| City | L'Aquila |
| Established | 1276 |
Content
History
Historically, L'Aquila was divided into two parts according to linguistic characteristics: the Amiternians spoke the Sabine dialect, the Forconians spoke a South Italian dialect.
A feature of the quarters of L'Aquila was that their borders ran not only inside the city, but spread to the surroundings outside the city walls. Each quarter was tied to the main castle and parish with the main church: San Pietro was tied to the church of San Pietro a Coppito and to the castle of Coppito, Santa Maria to the church of Santa Maria Paganica and to the castle of Paganica, San Giovanni to the church of San Giovanni (now San Marciano) and to the castle of Lucoli, San Giorgio to the church of San Giorgio (now San Giusto) and to the castle of Bazzano.
Each community in the city occupied the territory assigned to the main castle, the main church in honor of the holy castle, square and fountain. Common to all quarters was Sobornaya Square (also known as Market Square).
Each quarter received its flag and coat of arms, and since 1320 its color: blue at San Pietro, silver at Santa Maria, green at San Giorgio and gold at San Giovanni.
Description
San Pietro Quarter
The quarter of San Pietro is “Amitern” and occupies the northwestern part of L'Aquila . It is one of the most densely populated quarters of the city. Here lived the patrician clans of Galloffi, Camponeschi and Prettatti. The quarter stretches along Via Roma. Its main attraction is the church of St. Dominic, built on one of the highest hills in the city. At this place once stood the royal palace, which Charles II of Anjou , the king of Naples, gave under the monastery to the Dominican monks . The temple was built by masters from Provence , as evidenced by the original facade and side portal . During the earthquake of 1703, the roof of the church collapsed, the interior was destroyed and 600 people were killed. The interior of the church was restored in the XVIII century.
The main church of the quarter in honor of St. Peter stands in Piazza San Pietro, where the fountain is located. Built in the 13th century, the temple is a classic example of local Romanesque architecture. It was destroyed several times during earthquakes and rebuilt. The temple suffered especially severe damage during the 2009 earthquake.
Coat of arms of the quarter: on a blue background, a tree with a green crown in a green meadow, a bird on a tree. Castles included in the quarter: Ariskia, Barete, Canyano, Cansatessa, Cascina, Colle Pretara, Collebrinchoni, Coppito, Forchella, Pettino, Pile, Pizzoli, Preturo, Pozza, Santantsa, Santa Barbara, San Marco, San Vitori.
Santa Maria Quarter
The Santa Maria quarter is Forkon and occupies the northeastern part of L'Aquila. This is the only quarter that does not have access to Cathedral Square , where the Cathedral of Saints George and Maxim of the Archdiocese of L'Aquila is located . It includes Palace Square with the Town Hall. The city wall in the quarter has five gates, Porta Branconia, Porta Paganica (destroyed), Porta Castello, Porta Leoni and Porta Bazzano are located from west to east.
The main church of the quarter in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the highest point of the city. The temple was rebuilt and rebuilt after the earthquakes of 1703 and 2009.
There are many medieval buildings preserved in the quarter, such as the church of San Silvestro , the palace of Ardingelli , the palace of Antinori , the palace of Colantoni and the house of Buccio di Ranallo .
In 1534, most of the quarter was completely destroyed for the construction of the Spanish fortress . The imposing building was built by the Spaniards in revenge on the townspeople for supporting the French. Nearby is the Basilica of St. Bernardine , built in the 15th century with a Renaissance facade and Baroque - style interiors that appeared after the earthquake of 1703. Here lie the relics of St. Bernardin of Siena .
Coat of arms of the quarter: on a white background the head of the Moor with a rose in his mouth. Castles included in the quarter: Assergi, Aranjo, Bariciano, Bominaco, Camarda, Kaporciano, Civitaretenga, Collepietro, Filetto, Gignano, Navelli, Paganika, Pescomaggiore, Poggio Picenza, San Benedetto in Perrillis, San Demet Elia, San Giacomo, San Gregorio, San Nicandro, San Pio delle Chamber, Tempera.
San Giorgio Quarter
The San Giorgio quarter is Forkon and occupies the southeastern part of L'Aquila. On its territory is the medieval alley of Costa Masharelli, passing along the steep part of the historic city center, from Cathedral Square in Porta Bazzano. At the same time, Corso Federico II Street stretches in the 15th century from Cathedral Square to the gates of Port Napoli.
In the almost in the center of the quarter on the square is the main church in honor of St. Just, originally consecrated in honor of St. George, where the name of the whole quarter comes from. The temple was built in the XIV century, has a striking facade of ashlar with a portal in the Romanesque style and a majestic rose rich in decorated with images of flowers and people.
The quarter includes the Bonomo Jimenez Palace, the Dragonetti Palace and the Chenti Palace . In the south of the quarter there are several city parks and a city villa. Behind the city wall stands the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio .
Coat of arms of the quarter: red cross on a silver background. Castles included in the quarter: Bagno, Civita di Bagno, Bazzano, Beffi, Campana, Fagnano, Fossa, Goriano, Valley Monticchio, Okre, Pianola, Rocca di Mezzo, Rocca di Cambio, Sant Eusani Forconese, Stiffe, Thion, Villa Sant'Angelo.
San Giovanni Quarter
The San Giovanni quarter is “amiternian” and occupies the southwestern part of L'Aquila. On its territory is Borgo Rivera, the only suburb that has retained its medieval flavor. It stretches along the alley from Colle San Giovanni to the gates of Port Rivera, to the right of the Aterno River.
Here is a monumental fountain with 99 source keys, symbolizing the foundation of the city. Previously, this area was called Sharks due to the abundance of water.
The quarter includes the western surroundings of Cathedral Square, where the main church of the 14th century, consecrated in honor of St. Marcian, which replaced the church of San Giovanni di Lucoli in honor of St. John, destroyed in an earthquake, is located. In the far west of the quarter inside the city walls is the city station .
Coat of arms of the quarter: on a blue background, two golden stripes diagonally between which are two golden stars. Castles included in the quarter: Borgo Rivera, Contrada Cavalli, Civitatomass, Lucoli, Rocca di Como, Royo, Sassa, Skoppito, Tornimparte, Vetoio, Villano.
Links
- La divisione in quarti . Perdonanza Celestiniana. - The division of L'Aquila into four quarters. (ital.)
- L'Aquila nel tardo medioevo . Perdonanza Celestiniana. - L'Aquila in the late Middle Ages. (ital.)
- I quarti dell'Aquila (unreachable link) . Italia.it. - L'Aquila quarters. Archived July 23, 2013. (ital.)
- Nel cuore antico della città tra le chiese capo quarto . Perdonanza Celestiniana. - In the heart of the ancient city among the main churches of the quarter. (ital.)
- L'Aquila, i luoghi della poesia (inaccessible link) . Italia.it. “L'Aquila, the city of poetry.” Archived February 15, 2010. (ital.)