Strangolagalli Explained

Strangolagalli
Official Name:Comune di Strangolagalli
Coordinates:41.6°N 42°W
Region:Lazio
Province:Frosinone (FR)
Mayor:Roberto De Vellis
Area Total Km2:10.57
Population Footnotes:[1]
Population Total:2450
Population As Of:2017
Population Demonym:Strangolagallesi
Elevation M:232
Saint:St. Michael the Archangel
Day:29 September
Postal Code:03020
Area Code:0775

Strangolagalli is a comune (municipality) in the province of Frosinone in the Italian region Lazio, located about 90km (60miles) southeast of Rome and about 12km (07miles) southeast of Frosinone. It is located on the slopes of Ernici Mountains, towards the Liri River. Economy is based mainly on agriculture, numerous inhabitants commuting to nearby industries for work.

History

The origin of the name (in Italian: "Chicken-Strangler") is uncertain. It could derive from Byzantine Greek στρογγύλος (strongúlos, "circular") and Lombardic wal ("palisade", akin to English wall), indicating a settlement fortified in that way. A 17th-century scholar derived it from the villa of one Roman patrician Astragalus Gallus.

Archaeological findings have indeed suggested that Strangolagalli had been a Roman settlement. The existence of the castle is attested in 1097, but it was probably of Lombard origin. Initially a dominion of the Girini (or Girindi) family, it was later under the seignories of Veroli and D'Aquino. The town and countryside are dominated with the Marini, Viselli, Valeri, Tomassi, Lisi, Sementilli, DeVellis and Casagrande family lines.

In the 14th century the area was contended by the Angevines and Aragonese, and in the following century it was acquired by the Papal States. Traditionally a seat of brigandage, it fought against the Napoleonic occupation.

In 1915 it was damaged by an earthquake. During World War II it was further damaged during the German retreat from the Gustav Line.

References

Notes and References

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