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Signa (Italian pronunciation: [ˈsiɲɲa]) is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Florence in the Italian region Tuscany, located about 12 kilometres (7 mi) west of Florence.
Signa | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Signa | |
 Piazza Cavallotti in Signa | |
Location of Signa  | |
  Signa Location of Signa in Italy  Signa Signa (Tuscany) | |
| Coordinates: 43°47′N 11°6′E / 43.783°N 11.100°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Tuscany |
| Metropolitan city | Florence (FI) |
| Frazioni | Colombaia, Lecore, San Mauro a Signa, Sant'Angelo a Lecore, San Piero a Ponti |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Giampiero Fossi |
| Area | |
• Total | 18.81 km2 (7.26 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 46 m (151 ft) |
| Population (30 November 2016)[2] | |
• Total | 19,244 |
| • Density | 1,000/km2 (2,600/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Signesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 50058 |
| Dialing code | 055 |
| Website | Official website |
Signa borders the following municipalities: Campi Bisenzio, Carmignano, Lastra a Signa, Poggio a Caiano, Scandicci.
History
editThe origins of Signa are uncertain. Most likely it already existed in ancient times, although it is not known if it was founded by the Etruscans or by Romans.
It is also scarcely mentioned in the Low Middle Ages: Charlemagne donated to one of his captains a "Castle of Signa", although this is disputed.[3] The local pleban churches of San Giovanni Battista and San Lorenzo are mentioned in a 977/978 AD document.[4]
Signa acquired local importance in the 14th century after the construction of a nearby bridge, the only one in the area allowing passage of the Arno river. It was conquered by condottiero Castruccio Castracani and is also mentioned in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy.
Signa became an important centre of craftmanship in the 19th century.
Main sights
edit- Pieve of San Giovanni Battista (7th-9th centuries).
- Pieve of San Lorenzo
- Church of Santa Maria in Castello
- Church of San Miniato
- Villa Castelletti
- Villa San Lorenzo
Culture
editSigna is a typical Tuscan town. On the day after Easter, there is an important religious festival in honour of the Beata Giovanna. There is a procession that parades in the streets of Signa, and many people wear old costumes.
In Giacomo Puccini's Gianni Schicchi, the "molini di Signa" (mills of Signa) are the most coveted by his relatives of Buoso Donati's properties.
The 1875 novel Signa by Ouida (Mary Louise Ramé) is set in Signa.
People
editThe anonymous Master of Signa was from the town. Other natives include the artists Bruno Catarzi, Giuseppe Santelli, Raffaello Fossi, Alimondo Ciampi, and Alvaro Cartei; the academics Tommaso Bisagno and Boncompagno da Signa; Blessed Giovanna da Signa; the journalist Piergiorgio Branzi; and the actor Giancarlo Gori.
Sister Cities
editSigna is twinned with
Maromme, France
Pukë, Albania
References
edit- ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
- ^ Salvi, Storia di Pistoia dell'anno 1656
- ^ Scuola Elementare "Leonardo Da Vinci" e Gruppo Archeologico Signese, Signa fra Storia e Tradizione
External links
edit
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