Cassino
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| Comune di Cassino | |
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 Municipal coat of arms |
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| Country | Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Province | Frosinone (FR) |
| Mayor | Bruno Vincenzo Scittarelli |
| Elevation | 40 m (131 ft) |
| Area | 82.77 km² (32 sq mi) |
| Population (as of 2007) | |
| - Total | 32,643 |
| - Density | 394/km² (1,020/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | 41°30′N 13°50′E / 41.5°N 13.833°E |
| Gentilic | Cassinati |
| Dialing code | 0776 |
| Postal code | 03043 |
| Frazioni | Caira, Montecassino, San Cesareo, San Michele, San Pasquale, Sant'Angelo in Theodice, Sant'Antonino |
| Patron | St. Benedict |
| Website: www.comune.cassino.fr.it | |
- For other meanings, see Cassino (disambiguation)
Cassino is a comune in the province of Frosinone, Italy, at the southern end of the region of Lazio.
Cassino is located at the foot of Monte Cairo near the confluence of the Rapido and Liri rivers. The city is best known as the site of the Abbey of Montecassino and the Battle of Monte Cassino during World War II, which resulted in tremendous Allied and German casualties as well as the near total destruction of the town itself. Today, Cassino is also home to the University of Cassino and a FIAT automotive plant.
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[edit] History
Cassino's origins lie in the Volsci settlement of Casinum, at the base of the nearby Monte Cairo. Casinum passed under the control of the Samnites, but the Romans eventually gained control of Casinum, establishing a colony there in 312 B.C. At least once during Punic Wars, Hannibal passed near Casinum. Casinium was also the site of a villa belonging to Marcus Terentius Varro.
The modern town which arose on the site of the ancient town of Casinum was called San Germano, but on 28 July 1863 the name was officially reverted to "Cassino".
The area of the province of Frosinone, to which Cassino belongs, is popularly known in Italy - although some think rather improperly - as Ciociaria, which name comes from a type of footwear once worn by shepherds. According to cookbook author Claudia Palombo, who grew up near Cassino, the terrain is similar to northern California, with rolling green hills, vineyards, and rivers. Because of its valley location, it's often foggy in the winter, with chilly rainfall. Summers are generally quite warm and humid.
The site of fierce fighting during the Battles of Monte Cassino during World War II, the old town was almost completely destroyed and was rebuilt south-east of its prior location in a relatively short space of time. Because of this, and despite the recent construction of a large number of new roads and roundabouts, the town has a somewhat disorderly road network. The city is developing commercially as well, following the construction of many shopping centres in the environs, which, however, also increase traffic congestion, particularly on the roads leading into the city.
[edit] Twin cities
Berlin, Germany, since 1969
Zamość, Poland, since 1969
Falaise, France, since 1974- Tychy, Poland, since 1977
Užice, Serbia since 1981
North York, Canada, since 1987
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, since 1991
Ortona, Italy, since 1991
Casino, Australia, since 1997- Cavarzere, Italy, since 1998
Isla Senglea, Malta, since 2003- Leno, Italy, since 2005
Olinda, Brazil, since 2006
[edit] Sports
Cassino's football team plays in the Italian Serie C2.
[edit] People from Cassino
- Antonio Labriola (1843-1904), philosopher
- Gino Matrundola (born 1940), former Canadian politician
- Vittorio Miele (1926-1999), painter
- Rossano Gagliardi (born 1974), (Professional speaker)
