Afragola
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Afragola (NA): A town and commune (Area: 17.99 km². Alt. 43 m) in the province of Napoli. (Area: 17.99 km²; Population: 63,486 (2006e); 62,319 [2001]; 60,065 (1991); 57,367 (1981)). CAP: 80021. Tel. Pref.: 081. Geographical Coordinates: Lat 40°55’37″20 N/Long 14°18’42″12 E. Population Information: 62,319 (2001); 60,065 (1991). % Change in Population from 1991 to 2001: . Population Density (2001): / km². Inhabitants Designation: Afragolesi.
Location & Setting: Located 12 km. NE of Naples in a very fertile area, it is now within the metropolitan area of Naples. Part of Regione Agraria n. 6 – Piano Campano sud-orientale.
Frazioni/Localita: Capo Mazzo, Saggese.
Economy: The economy is based on the cultivation of cereals, fruits and hemp. There is a local industry in the manufacture of straw hats.
History: The center appears to have arisen during the Middle Ages. The earliest historical mention dates to 1131 when it was known as Afraore. Later documents refer to it as Afragone, Afraolla, Fraolla, and Afrangola. By 1272, the present form of the name, Afragola, had come into use. According to some researchers the name derives from fragile (“strawberries”).
King Roger II is traditionally credited with having found the center in 1140. There is documentary evidence, however, that the area was settled and being actively farmed in 1025. Likewise, archaeological evidence reveals local settlement by ancient Oscans and Samnites as early as the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
The center was fortified as a stronghold sometime in the 12th century. Under the Angevins much of the commune was awarded as a fief to Bernardo Caracciolo, Archbishop of Naples. In 1386 it became the property of the noble Bozzuto family. In 1575, it bought its autonomy with a payment of 27,000 ducati to the Crown. In 1639, however, it was forced to pay a huge ransom to the Viceroy of Naples, duke of Medina, to retain its privileges. Despite this payment, Afragola was dominated by the will of the Spanish Viceroys. It was not until 1809, under the direction of the French administration of the Kingdom, did the center finally free themselves of feudal obligations.
Major earthquakes struck in 1980 and 1984.
Points of Interest: The principal secular monument, a Castello dating from the reign of Queen Joanna I, is now used as an orphanage.
The Palazzo Comunale was completed in 1880 and has an irregular rectangular plan.
The earliest churches are those of Santa Maria d’Ajello, San Giorgio and San Marco in Sylvis.
The Church of Santa Maria d’Ajello dates to 1131 and has undergone several restorations and remodelings. In 1583 two side aisles were added. Among the treasures are some painted tele dating to 1780.
There is documentary evidence of the Church of S. Giorgio in 1131. There was a major restoration of the church in 1380. After suffering severe damage from an earthquake in 1688, extensive restoration work occurred during the early the 18th century. A dome was added to the structure in 1741, while the 3-part campanile dates to 1772. Treasures include works by Mozzillo, Cimino, and the school of Murillo.
The Church of S. Marco in Silvis was founded in c1179 by the Norman king William II. In includes a square campanile with an octagonal pinnacle.
The church of the Rosario, dating to 1602, has some fine floors of majolica tile and a marble balaustra. Among the tresures is a painted tele by Giovanni Lanfranco (1581-1647).
The Sanctuary of S. Antonio was built in 1633 by the Frati Minori. Decorations include frescoes by the Severino and 18th century polychrome marble sculptures. Houses in one of the chapels is a valuable 13th century wooden Crucifix. There is an 18th century wooden staue of Sant’ Antonio.
In the territory near Afragola are some tombs dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
Culture & Religion: Patron Saint(s): S. Gennaro.
Festival of S. Antonio di Padova– June 13. Included is a procession during which the statue of the saint is carried in procession from the church of Sant’Antonio to the Piazza Municipio. There are also musical performances and bonfires.