Campi, Norcia Explained

Campi
Settlement Type:Frazione
Pushpin Map:Italy
Coordinates:42.8512°N 13.0949°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Italy
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Umbria
Subdivision Type2:Province
Subdivision Name2:Perugia
Subdivision Type3:Italian: [[Comune]]
Subdivision Name3:Norcia
Elevation M:711
Population Total:172
Population As Of:2001
Population Demonym:Campiani
Timezone1:CET
Utc Offset1:+1
Timezone1 Dst:CEST
Utc Offset1 Dst:+2
Postal Code Type:Postcode
Postal Code:06046
Area Code:0743
Blank Name Sec1:Patron saint
Blank Info Sec1:St. Andrew
Blank1 Name Sec1:Feast day
Blank1 Info Sec1:30 November

Campi, also known as Campi di Norcia, is a frazione of the comune of Norcia in the province of Perugia, Umbria, Italy. The medieval village has a population of around 200 people. Many of its landmarks, including the Church of San Salvatore, were heavily damaged during the October 2016 Central Italy earthquakes.

History

The area around Campi was first settled in Sabine and Roman times. The Sabine and Roman town was located in the valley where the Church of San Salvatore was eventually built, and by the medieval period this area became known as Campi Vecchio (Old Campi). In the Middle Ages, a fortified settlement was established on the hill overlooking the Roman settlement, and this was known as Campi Nuovo (New Campi). Over time, the castle was abandoned and only the was left standing.[1] In time, the names were reversed, with the medieval Campi Nuovo being renamed Campi Vecchio and vice versa. Modern Campi consists of Campi Nuovo in valley and Campi Alto on the hill.[2]

A number of buildings in the village were destroyed during the October 2016 Central Italy earthquakes,[3] including the Churches of San Salvatore and Santa Maria delle Grazie.[4]

Geography

Campi is a small medieval village which is located around 11km (07miles) north of Norcia. It has an elevation of 711m (2,333feet) above sea level, and it is spread over a syncline opposite the Monti Sibillini National Park. It has panoramic views over the Castoriana valley. It had a population of 172 according to the ISTAT census of 2001.

Economy

Agriculture and the cultivation of lentils and barley are important for the local economy. The area is also known for its black truffles (Italian: tartufo nero di Norcia) and industrial activity relating to the preparation of cured meats, particularly the .

Campi was visited by tourists due to its proximity to the Monti Sibillini National Park.

Culture

Two important events are the gastronomy and culture festival Il Castello del Gusto, which is held in the first weekend of August, and the feast of Our Lady of the Cross in the first weekend of September.

Places of interest

Notes and References

  1. Book: Aa.Vv. L'Umbria. Manuali per il territorio. La Valnerina Il Nursino Il Casciano. 1977. Edindustria. Rome. 220. Italian.
  2. Web site: Campi di Norcia. NorciaNET. https://web.archive.org/web/20170223191256/http://www.norcia.net/campi-di-norcia.html. 23 February 2017.
  3. News: Il centro di Campi ripreso dal drone. Corriere dell'Umbria. 31 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170223190746/http://corrieredellumbria.corr.it/video/corriere-dell-umbria-tv/236206/il-centro-di-preci-ripreso-dal-drone.html. 23 February 2017. Italian.
  4. News: Italy quake church collapse caught on camera. Times of Malta. 27 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170222181536/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20161027/world/italy-earthquake-church-collapse-caught-on-camera.629251. 22 February 2017.