Castelfranco di Sotto explained

Castelfranco di Sotto
Official Name:Comune di Castelfranco di Sotto
Coordinates:43.7°N 55°W
Region:Tuscany
Province:Pisa (PI)
Frazioni:Orentano, Villa Campanile, Galleno (partly), Staffoli (partly)
Mayor:Umberto Marvogli
Area Total Km2:48.4
Population Total:12179
Population As Of:31 October 2008[1]
Elevation M:16
Saint:San Severo
Day:November 18
Postal Code:56022
Area Code:0571

Castelfranco di Sotto is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Pisa in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 40km (30miles) west of Florence and about 30km (20miles) east of Pisa.

Castelfranco di Sotto borders the following municipalities: Altopascio, Bientina, Fucecchio, Montopoli in Val d'Arno, San Miniato, Santa Croce sull'Arno, Santa Maria a Monte.

History

Castelfranco is an ancient medieval village, whose name appeared for the first time in 1215. Tired of the battles fought in the area at the time between Florence, Lucca and Pisa, the population of nearby villages Vigesimo, Catiana, Paterno and Carpugnana decided to build here a defensive castle, named Castello di Franco, later changed to Castelfranco.

In 1966 Castelfranco was flooded by the river Arno.

Culture

Every year in Castelfranco the Palio dei Barchini is held.

External links

Notes and References

  1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.