Country Italy Province / Metropolitan city Taranto Elevation 387 m (1,270 ft) Area 212 km² Province Province of Taranto Patron saint Thomas Becket | Region Apulia Founded 1300 BC Time zone CET (UTC+1) Local time Sunday 7:25 PM Postal code 74017 Dialling code 099 | |
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Weather 13°C, Wind E at 8 km/h, 73% Humidity | ||
Mottola is a town and comune in the province of Taranto and region of Apulia in southeast Italy.
Contents
- Map of 74017 Mottola Province of Taranto Italy
- History
- Government
- Geography and climate
- Main sights
- Archaeological sites
- Holy Week rites
- Famous natives
- References
Map of 74017 Mottola Province of Taranto, Italy
It stands on a hill 387 metres (1,270 ft) above mean sea level in the sub-region of Murgia. It is also called "The Ionian Spy" for its strategic geographical position. From various points of the town all of the Gulf of Taranto can be seen. The economy is based mostly on agriculture and food production (olives, wine, citrus fruits, vegetables). Tourism and the manufacture of wooden fixtures are also being developed.
History
The Mottola's hill was inhabited since prehistory. In fact, in 1899 where founded a bronze closet of that historical period. The town was destroyed in 1102 after a popular rebellion to the chancellor Muarcaldo. In Medieval age, Mottola became a "castellum" and was governed by catapan Basilio Boioannes. During the Norman domination period, the town became a Diocese until 1818, when lost the title for Castellaneta. In 1653 with the notary act of Giovanni Angelo Durante di Napoli, the feud was sold to Francesco Caracciolo, the Martina Franca's duke. In the Bourbon Restoration period, Mottola follow the Italian unification events, suffering the subversive actions made by "Briganti".
Government
During the most recent local elections, held in May 2012, the Democratic Party consolidated its control of Mottola Council, following on from regaining power for the first time in 10 years. They are the largest party represented with 6 councillors followed by the The People of Freedom Party with 3 councillors. The major is Luigi Pinto.
Geography and climate
Mottola enjoys a typical mediterranean climate, with the greatest amounts of precipitation mainly occurring from mid-October to mid-April; any precipitation is sparse during summer and it generally takes the form of showers and/or thunderstorms. The average temperature varies from a low of 5 °C (41 °F) in January to a high of 28 °C (82 °F) in July and August. The wettest months are December and March averaging between 15 and 20 centimetres (5.9 and 7.9 in). Fog is highly usual in the town centre but it is less frequent in the outskirts, specially in the south part. Spring and fall (autumn) are considered ideal seasons for sightseeing and all kinds of outdoor activities. Summers can be particularly hot.
Main sights
Archaeological sites
Mottola country is rich of karsts called "gravine", usually situated in the south side of the town. The most important are Forcella, San Biagio, di Capo Gavito and Petruscio. The last one is certainly the most predominant.
Holy Week rites
There are numerous religious events during the Holy Week in Mottola. These events are characterized by typical processions, celebrating the Passion, made by hooded faithfuls called "paranze" in the last days of the week. The processions take place through the streets of the historical centre and end in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church, that is also the organizer church.