Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: F
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Fabian (Fabianus), St.: Pope (rAD Jan 10, 236-Jan 20, 250). He was a native of Rome.
Fabrizia (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Faetar: a rare dialect of Franco-Provençal spoken in only 2 isolated towns (Faeto/Fayet and Celle di San Vito) in the province of Foggia. It has an estimated 1,400 speakers worldwide, only about 600 still living in Puglia. The language has no written tradition. The dialect was originally brought to Apulia in the 14th century by immigrants from the department of Ain, in SE France.
Faeto (FG): A commune in the province of Foggia. Population: 689 (2006e).
Faggiano (TA): A commune in the province of Taranto.
Fagnano Alto (AQ): A commune in the province of L‘Aquila. Population: 452 (2006e).
Fagnano Castello >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 4,073 (2006e).
Faicchio (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 3,814 (2007e); 3,845 (2006e).
Falciano del Massico (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 3,807 (2006e).
Falconara Albanese >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 1,384 (2006e).
Falcone (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 2,946 (2006e).
Falconieri (or Falconiero), Andrea: b. 1585 or 1586, Naples. d. 29 July, 1656, Naples. Composer and lutenist. At the court of Parma from 1604 until 1614, then elsewhere in northern Italy, at Rome, and late in life at Naples; travels in Spain and France from 1621 until 1628; from 1639 lutenist, from 1647 maestro di cappella at the royal chapel at Naples. Compositions include songs and instrumental music.
Falconio, Diomede: (b. Sept. 20, 1842, Pescocostanzo (AQ); d. Feb. 8, 1917, Rome). (See Full Page)
Falerian Wine: A wine produced in the Falerian district (Falernus ager) of ancient Campania. It was highly prized in Roman times.
Falerna (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 3,938 (2006e).
Falernus ager (Falernum): an ancient district located in the northern part of the modern province of Campanian province of Caserta. It is mentioned in the writings of Pliny the Elder. The Falernus ager was famous for its wines in ancient times.
Fallo (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 154 (2006e).
Fano Adriano (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Fantinus: (fl. end of the 6 th century). (full entry)
Fanzago, Cosimo: (b. 1591, Clusone [Bergamo]. d. 1678, Naples. Architect and sculptor. Born into a family of sculptors, he relocated to Naples in 1612 where he began a career as a sculptor and architect. He is considered a master of the local style of Baroque manner. Most of his projects were centered in and around Naples. Principal Works: Spire of Chiesa di S.Gennaro.Chiesa di S.Giorgio Maggiore.Chiesa di S.Maria degli Angeli alle Croci.Chiesa di S.Teresa a Chiaia.Palazzo di Donn’Anna a Posillipo (1635-44).Cappella di Palazzo Reale, 1640-45.Cloister of the Certosa di San Martino (1623-31).
Fara Filiorum Petri (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,930 (2006e).
Fara San Martino (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,603 (2006e).
Faraglione (or Isole dei Ciolopi = “Cyclops’ Islands”): A good of small rocky islands off the eastern coast of Sicily near Aci Castello. According to ancient tradition, these were stones hurled by the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus at the escaping Greek hero Ulysses (Odysseus).
Fardella (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Farindola (PE): A commune in the province of Pescara.
Fasano (BR): A commune in the province of Brindisi. Population: 38,536 (2006e).
Fauna (Bona Dea): An ancient Italic fertility goddess who presided over fields and woods. Often called Bona Dea (the Good Goddess), farmers and herdsmen both prayed to her for the fertility of their fields and animals. She was either the sister or wife of Faunus.
Faunus: An ancient Italic nature god. The brother or husband of Fauna, he was the son of Picus and the grandson of Saturnus. He was often identified with the wolf-god Lupercus. Principally a protector deity of shepherds and countryfolk, he had special aspects with specific functions. In his aspect as Innus (“he who makes fruitful”), he increased herds. He was also involked as an oracle. The Romans eventually identified him with the Greek Pan, and he came to be depicted with goat-legs and horns. Faunus’s principal shrine was at Rome on an island in the river Tiber.
Fava beans: It is a Sicilian tradition in Sicily to carry a fava bean for good luck. The tradition was transferred to America where women of Sicilian ancestry sometimes carry a fava bean in their purses.
Favara (AG): A commune in the province of Agrigento. Population: 33,433 (2007e); 33,558 (2006e).
Favignana (anc. Aegusa) (TP): One of the principal islands of the Isole Egadi, off the west coast of Sicily. Its highest point rises to 1,070 feet.
Favignana (TP): A commune in the province of Trapani.
Februus: Etruscan god of the underworld and of purification. The month of February is named for him.
Federico, Gennaro Antonio: (d. 1743, Naples). Librettist.
Felitto (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Felix I, St.: Pope. (rAD Jan 5, 269-Dec 30, 274).
Felix “II”: Antipope (r356-357).
Felix II (or III), St.: Pope. (r Mar 13, 483-Mar 1, 492).
Felix III (or IV), St.: Pope. (r July 13, 523-Sept 22, 530).
Felix: An early bishop of Naples. He flourished in the mid-5th Century AD. He succeeded either St. Nostrianus or Timasius and, after holding the see for about 9 years, was succeeded by St. Soter.
Ferdinand (Ferrante) I of Naples: (b. c1424/5; d. Jan. 25, 1494. (full entry)
Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies (aka Ferdinand III of Sicily; Ferdinand IV of Naples): Visit the full Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies page.
Ferdinand (Ferrante) II: King of Naples (r.1495-1496).Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies: (b. (full entry)
Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies: (b. June 12, 1810, at Palermo; d. May 22, 1859, at Caserta). King of the Two Sicilies. He succeeded his father, Francis I, on Nov. 8, 1830. He married (1st) Maria Cristina (daughter of King Victor Emanuel I of Sardinia), on Nov. 21, 1832. From this marriage he had one son, his heir Francis II (b. 1859).
By his second marriage (Jan. 27, 1837, Naples) to Marie Therese (Maria Teresa), Archduchess of Austria, he was the father of Annunziata Maria Isabella Philomena, who married Karl Ludwig Josef, Archduke of Austria. The assassination of their son, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, at Sarajevo (June 28, 1914) was the spark that touched off World War I.
Ferdinard V of Castile “the Catholic”: (II of Aragon; III of Naples; II of Sicily). (full entry)
Ferdinando: (fl. 1st part of the 11th Century). Ecclesiastic. Bishop of Caiazzo. He succeeded Stefano in AD 1025.
Ferla (SR): A commune in the province of Siracusa.
Feroleto Antico (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 2,088 (2006e).
Feroleto della Chiesa (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio Calabria.
Feronia: an ancient Italic goddess. In Etruscan religion she was a goddess of fire and fertility, while the Romans saw her as a deity presiding over springs and woods.
Ferrandina (MT): A commune in the province of Matera. Population: 9,279 (2006e).
Ferrante I: See Ferdinand I.
Ferrara, Francesco: (b. 1811, Palermo. d. 1900, Venice). Economist. In 1834, he became the head of the Statistical Bureau of Sicily, and was the founder of the Giornale di Statistica. In 1847, he was involved in the Sicilian independence movement and was imprisoned by the authorities. When Sicily revolted in the following year, he was freed and chosen as a special envoy to Turin. While there he accepted an offer to assune the chair of economics at the University of Turin. He later held a similar post at the University of Pisa. In 1867, he was appointed Minister of Finance. In 1868, he became director of a mercantile school in Venice, where he remained until his death in 1900. His written works included Importanza dell’Economia Politica (1849) and Memorie di Statistica (1890).
Ferrara, Franco: (b. 4 July, 1911, Palermo. d. 7 Sept. 1985, Florence). Violinist, pianist, composer. He served as Concertmaster at many of Italy’s great orchestras. A child prodigy, he began his professional career at the age of 9. At the age of 13 he became Concertmaster of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. He was Concertmaster of the Augusteo Orchestra (Rome) under the baton of Bruno Walter, Toscanini, Guarnieri (his mentor), and De Sabata. In the course of his life he also served as a teacher of Composition at several schools and academies (Accademia Chigiana of Siena; Radio Hilversum Holland; Paris Conservatoire; Berkshire Music Centre Tanglewood; Julliard School New York; Accademia S. Cecilia Roma). His compositions include many orchestral pieces and much music for films and television.
Ferrazzano (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 3,282 (2006e).
Ferruzzano (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio Calabria.
Fesro: Bishop of Capua (rAD590-594).
Festus: (fl. late AD 6th / early 7th centuries BC). Ecclesiastic. Bishop of Capua. He wrote to Pope Gregory I the Great complaining that he was despised by both the clergy and the citizens of Capua. In a letter from that same pope, Festus is ordered to pay restitution to a subdeacon from whom he had taken money.
Ficarazzi (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Ficarra (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 1,724 (2006e).
Figline Vegliaturo >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 1,048 (2006e).
Filadelfia (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Filandari (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Filangieri, Carlo: (b. 1783, in Naples; d. (full entry)
Filangieri, Gaetano: b. Aug. 18, 1752, in Naples; d. July 21, 1788. Publicist. Entering the royal service in 1777, he held a number of different offices and, in 1787, he became part of the supreme council of finance. He published a number of works, the most important being Scienza della legislazione. He died at a young age, apparently from over-work. He was the father of Carlo Filangieri (b. 1783).
filbert: (corylus Avellana). A type of thick-husked hazelnut native to Europe. It receives its scientific name from the city of Avellino, where it has grown in abundance since ancient times.
Filetto (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,065 (2006e).
Filiano (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Filicudi: an island of the Isole Eolie (Lipari Islands).
Filignano (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 749 (2006e).
Filogaso (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
finocchieto selvatico: a fresh wild fennel herb found throughout much of southern Italy. It is widely used in Sicilian cuisine. The seeds of the mature herb, called semi di finocchio, are often used to top breads or flavor meats and sausages.
Firmo (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 2,416 (2006e).
Fisciano (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Fiumara (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio Calabria.
Fiumedinisi (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 1,599 (2006e).
Fiumefreddo Bruzio >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 3,239 (2006e).
Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (CT): A commune in the province of Catania. Population: 9,664 (2006e).
flabellum: a large, ivory fan formerly used as a mark of distinction carried before certain Roman Catholic prelates and officials: the Pope, the Grand Prior of the Knights of Malta, the Bishop of Troia (Apulia), and the Archbishop of Messina. These fans, with their peacock or ostrich feathers, were always used in pairs. Their origins date back to the courts of ancient Assyria, Babylonia and Egypt, and became part of Christian ecclesiastical paraphernalia during the 4th century. Use of the flabellum was restricted to the Popes during the 17th century and was finally discontinued in 1968 by Pope Paul VI.
Flora: An ancient Italian goddess of flowers and blooming plants. The Romans celebrated her festival, the Floralia, from April 28 to May 3. In 238 BC, a temple was dedicated to Flora at Rome.
Florentius: (fl. late 6th Century). Ecclesiastic. A subdeacon of Rome, he was elected bishop by the people of Naples but was undecided whether to accept or not. He finally chose to flee rather than make a decision. As a result, Pope Gregory I wrote (Dec 592) to Scholasticus, judge of Campania, to arrange a new election. Fortunatus was then elected to the see of Naples.
Floresta (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 577 (2006e).
Floridia (SR): A commune in the province of Siracusa.
Flumeri (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 3,290 (2007e); 3,302 (2006e).
Foggia, Province of: A province in the region of Puglia. Area: 7,190 km². Population: 686,856 (2005).
Foggia: A city and provincial capital in Puglia. Population: 153,650 (2006e).
The city’s name may derive from a local dialect word meaning “granary.” This, in turn, derived from the Latin word fovea (= “pit”). This last word is related to another Latin verb fovere (= “to keep warm).”
Foggia-Bovino, Metropolitan Archdiocese of:
Suffragans: Cerignola–Ascoli Satriano, Lucera–Troia, Manfredonia–Vieste–San Giovanni Rotondo, San Severo.
History: Diocese of Foggia established on June 25, 1855. Promoted as a Metropolitan Archdiocese on May 30, 1979. Renamed as Metropolitan Archdiocese of Foggia–Bovino on September 30, 1986.
Foglianise (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 3,548 (2007e); 3,567 (2006e).
Foiano de Val Fortore (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,511 (2007e); 1,524 (2006e).
follis (diminutive folliculus): A type of soft ball invented in the mid-1st Century BC by Atticus of Naples, the paidotribes (physical trainer) for the exercises of Pompey the Great. Made of skin or bladder and inflated with air, it was considered appropriate for use by children or the elderly, and the most popular ball used in Roman times. According to the most common story, Atticus invented the follis ball for Pompey the Great while the general was recovering from a serious illness in Campania.
Fondachelli-Fantina (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 1,159 (2006e).
Fondi (FR): A commune in the province of Frosinone, southern Lazio, formerly part of the province of Caserta. It is situated on the Appian Way about 14 miles NW of Gaeta. Its proximity to the malarial Lacus Fundanus made it an unhealthy place in times past.
Fontanarosa (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 3,428 (2007e); 3,426 (2006e).
Fontecchio (AQ): A commune in the province of L‘Aquila. Population: 425 (2006e).
Fontegreca (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 862 (2006e).
Forchia (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,156 (2007e); 1,161 (2006e).
Forino (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 5,298 (2007e); 5,300 (2006e).
Forli‘ del Sannio (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 794 (2006e).
Formicola (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 1,504 (2006e).
Formosus: Pope. (rSept. 19, 891-Apr. 4, 896).
Fornelli (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 2,002 (2006e).
Fortunatus (1), St.: (dates uncertain). Martyr. With fellow martyrs Gaius and Antus, he is one of the patron saints of Salerno.
Fortunatus I (2), St.: An early bishop of Naples. He succeeded St. Eustatius in AD 343/344 and was succeeded by St. Maximus at an unknown date. It is believed that he died before AD 359.
Fortunatus I (3): (fl. late 6th/early 5th centuries). Ecclesiastic. Bishop of Naples. He received letters from Pope Gregory I concerning the redemption of slaves bought by Jewish negotiators. Other letters from the same pope concerned themselves with accusing Fortunatus of avarice and of neglecting the monasteries in his see. He was present at both the synods of 595 and 601.
Forza d’Agro’ (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 905 (2006e).
Fossa (AQ): A commune in the province of L‘Aquila. Population: 673 (2006e).
Fossacesia (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 5,799 (2006e).
Fossalto (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 1,598 (2006e).
Fossato Serralta (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 627 (2006e).
foundlings: In the mid-19th Century, it was estimated that there were annually about 2,000 foundlings out of 15,000 births (out of a total population of about 400,000). During this period Naples was noted for devoting more care to the education and welfare of their foundlings than any other city in Italy.
Fra Diavolo (It. “Brother Devil”): (real name Michele Rezza). (b. 1740; d. 1806). Calabrian bandit and guerilla chief in the service of the Bourbons against the French.
Fragagnano (TA): A commune in the province of Taranto.
Fragneto l’Abate (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,163 (2007e); 1,173 (2006e).
Fragneto Monforte (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,883 (2007e); 1,912 (2006e).
Fraine (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 439 (2006e).
Francavilla al Mare (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 23,570 (2006e).
Francavilla Angitola (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Francavilla di Sicilia (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 4,218 (2006e). The town includes a medieval bridge which spans the river Alcantara. There is also the remains of a domed Byzatine church.
Francavilla Fontana (BR): A commune in the province of Brindisi. Population: 36,372 (2006e).
Francavilla in Sinni (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Francavilla Marittima >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 3,001(2006e).
Francica (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Francis I: King of the Two Sicilies (r1825-1830).
Offspring:
Maria Carolina: (b. Nov. 5, 1798). Married (Feb. 14, 1816) the Duke of Berri.
Louisa Charlotte: (b. Oct. 24, 1804). Married (June 12, 1819) Don Francis of Spain.
Maria Christina: (b. Apr. 27, 1806). Queen of Spain.
Ferdinand II: (b. Jan.12, 1810). King of the Two Sicilies (r1830-1859).
Charles: (b. Dec. 10, 1811). Prince of Capua.
Leopold: (b. May 22, 1813). Count of Syracuse.
Maria Antoinette: (b. Dec. 19, 1814).
Antonio: (b. Sept. 23, 1816). Count of Lecce.
Maria Amelia: (b. Feb. 25, 1818).
Caroline: (b. Feb. 29, 1820).
Theresa: (b. Mar. 14, 1822).
Louis: (b. July 19, 1824). Count of Aquila.
Francis: (b. Aug. 13, 1827). Count of Trapani.
Francis II: King of the Two Sicilies (r1859-1861).
Francis of Paola, S.: (b. 1416, Paola, Calabria; d. Apr. 1507). Monk. He was the founder of the religious order of the Friars Minim.
Francis of Paola, Friars of the Order of S.: A monastic order founded in 1474 by the Calabrian St. Francis of Paola. It is organized by the Franciscan rule. Members of this Order wear dark brown habits with rope belts. The friars sleep on the ground, and subsist on a diet mainly of bread and water, with occasional fish and vegetables. Their superior in called a Corrector. They are sometimes called Friars Minim. The Order was confirmed by Pope Sixtus IV.
King Louis XI of France gave them the nickname of Bons Hommes.
Francofonte (SR): A commune in the province of Siracusa.
Frangipane, Giuliano: (fl. 2nd part of the 15th Century). Ecclesiastic. Noted for his wisdom, he was elected Bishop of Caiazzo in 1472.
Frangipane, Ottavio Mirto: (fl. 2nd part of the 16th Century). He was elected Bishop of Caiazzo in 1572.
Francolise (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 4,919 (2006e).
Frascineto (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 2,399 (2006e).
Frasso Telesino (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 2,558 (2007e); 2,588 (2006e).
Frattamaggiore (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Frattaminore (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Frazzano’ (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 860 (2006e).
Frederick II: King of Sicily (r1198-1250).
Frederick II (III): King of Sicily (Trinacria) (r1296-1336).
Frederick III “the Simple”: King of Sicily (Trinacria) (r1355-1377).
Frederick IV: King of Naples (r.1496-1500).
Fresagrandinaria (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,097 (2006e).
Fresco: a technique of wall-painting in which the artist applies water-colored paint to wet plaster. This method is more permanent than painting on dry plaster as the color is absorbed into the wall’s surface.
Fretrum Siculum: Ancient name for the Strait of Messina.
Frigento (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 4,110 (2007e); 4,100 (2006e).
Frignano> (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 8,489 (2006e).
Frisa (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,941 (2006e).
friscalettu: an ancient type of flute from Sicily made of cane. Still in use for folk-music, it has 7 front holes and 2 holes in the back.
Frontini, F. Paolo: b. Catania, Aug. 6, 1860. Dramatic composer and director. He studied under P. Platania at Palermo, and under Lauro Rossi at Naples. In 1917 he became Director of the Catania Music Institute. Among his works were the operas Nella (Catania, 1881); Malia (Bologna 1893); Il Falconire (Catania), Aleramo; the oratorio Sansone (1882), and several songs and piano pieces.
Frosolone (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 3,301 (2006e).
Fufluns: Etruscan god of vegetation, health and celebration. The son of the earth-goddess Semia, he is closely associated with the Greek Dionysus and the Roman Bacchus.
Fuga, Ferdinando: b. 1699, Florence. d. Rome, 1781. Architect. A pupil of G.B. Foggini, he centered his earlier career at Rome but came to Naples in 1726 to create the chapel in the Palazzo Cellamare (1726-1727). Returning to Rome, he created several major Baroque projects for the Church. In 1751, he returned to Naples at the behest of King Charles III to work in collaboration with L. Vanvitelli as court architect. Some of his great projects there were never or only partially realized. These include: Albergo dei Poveri: conceived as a hospice for 8,000 poor from throughout the kingdom of Naples (incomplete).
Furci (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,194 (2006e).
Furci Siculo (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 3,304 (2006e).
Furnari (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. Population: 3,494 (2006e).
Furore (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Fuscaldo >(CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 8,242 (2006e).
Fuscas: (fl. late 6th/early 7th centuries). Abbot of the monastery of Sts. Eramus, Maximus and Juliana, at Naples. Pope Gregory I commended him to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples, and wrote on his behalf to the Byzantine defensors Romanus and Fantinus.
Futani (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
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