# Francavilla al Mare > Italian comune **Wikidata**: [Q51225](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51225) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francavilla_al_Mare) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/francavilla-al-mare ## Summary Francavilla al Mare is an Italian comune (municipality) located in the Province of Chieti in the Abruzzo region of southern Italy, situated along the Adriatic Coast at coordinates 42.418°N, 14.292°E. As part of the broader administrative system of Italy—a sovereign parliamentary republic and founding member of the European Union—Francavilla al Mare represents one of thousands of comuni that form the foundational municipal divisions of the Italian state. The comune is connected to several smaller settlements within its territory, including Castelvecchio (a frazione), Pujese, Fontechiaro, Piattelli, and Piane-Moretto, all of which fall under its administrative jurisdiction. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Francavilla al Mare - **Administrative Status:** Comune (municipal division) of Italy - **Province:** Chieti (Province of Chieti, one of 83 provinces in Italy) - **Region:** Abruzzo (one of 20 administrative regions of Italy) - **Country:** Italy (sovereign state; capital: Rome; currency: Euro since January 1, 2002) - **Coordinates:** Latitude 42.418058333333°, Longitude 14.291908333333° - **Population:** Approximately 25,520 to 25,663 residents (based on three recorded figures) - **Website:** http://www.comune.francavilla.ch.it/ - **Wikipedia Title:** Francavilla al Mare - **Wikidata Description:** Italian comune - **Sitelink Count:** 57 (indicating moderate cross-language Wikipedia coverage) - **Connected Settlements within Jurisdiction:** Castelvecchio (frazione), Pujese, Fontechiaro, Piattelli, Piane-Moretto - **Transportation Infrastructure:** Serviced by Francavilla al Mare railway station - **Country Classification:** Italy uses the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code "IT" and alpha-3 code "ITA" - **Italian Administrative Context:** Part of the sistema dei comuni, the lowest-level administrative divisions in Italy, which total over 7,900 municipalities ## FAQs **What type of administrative area is Francavilla al Mare?** Francavilla al Mare is a comune, which is the fundamental unit of local government in Italy. Comuni are analogous to municipalities or communes in other countries and are responsible for local administration, urban planning, civil registration, and local services. Each comune is part of a larger province, which itself is part of a region. **Which province and region is Francavilla al Mare located in?** Francavilla al Mare is located in the Province of Chieti, which is situated in the Abruzzo region of central-eastern Italy. Abruzzo is one of Italy's 20 regions and is known for its Apennine Mountains, coastal areas along the Adriatic Sea, and national parks. **What is the relationship between Francavilla al Mare and Italy?** Francavilla al Mare is a municipal division within Italy, a sovereign parliamentary republic located in Southern Europe. Italy was proclaimed as a kingdom on March 17, 1861, and established as a republic on June 18, 1946, following a constitutional referendum. Italy is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, and uses the Euro as its official currency. **What settlements are part of or connected to Francavilla al Mare?** Within the administrative territory of Francavilla al Mare, several smaller settlements exist, including Castelvecchio (classified as a frazione, meaning a smaller administrative division), Pujese, Fontechiaro, Piattelli, and Piane-Moretto. The municipality is also served by the Francavilla al Mare railway station, providing rail connectivity to the broader Italian transportation network. **How can I find more information about Francavilla al Mare's local government?** The official website of Francavilla al Mare is http://www.comune.francavilla.ch.it/, where local administrative information, services, and community details can be accessed. The comune maintains a presence across multiple language versions of Wikipedia, with a sitelink count of 57 indicating moderate international documentation. ## Why It Matters Francavilla al Mare exemplifies the structure of Italian local governance, where comuni serve as the most granular level of administrative organization, directly serving citizens' daily needs while operating within the broader framework of provincial and regional administration. As one of Italy's approximately 7,900 comuni, Francavilla al Mare contributes to the decentralized governance model that characterizes the Italian state—a system designed to balance national cohesion with local autonomy. The comune's location in Abruzzo places it in a region of significant geographical and cultural importance. Abruzzo is known for its diverse landscape, ranging from mountainous interior regions to coastal areas along the Adriatic Sea. Francavilla al Mare, as a coastal municipality, participates in Italy's extensive Adriatic coastline, which includes numerous communes across regions from Friuli-Venezia Giulia to Apulia. From an economic perspective, Italian comuni like Francavilla al Mare play crucial roles in local commerce, tourism, and community development. The Adriatic coast is a destination for both domestic and international tourism, with communes along this shoreline contributing to Italy's status as a global leader in tourism, supported by the country's highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the globally recognized "Made in Italy" brand. The administrative structure matters because it determines how local services are delivered, how local taxes are collected and spent, and how citizens participate in governance. Italian comuni maintain civil registries, issue identity documents, manage local roads and public spaces, and often oversee local schools and social services. This decentralized approach allows for tailored local governance that responds to the specific needs and characteristics of each community. ## Notable For - **Coastal Location:** Situated along the Adriatic Sea, providing access to Italy's eastern maritime boundaries - **Rail Connectivity:** Home to Francavilla al Mare railway station, connecting the municipality to Italy's extensive rail network - **Administrative Subdivisions:** Includes the frazione of Castelvecchio and several other settlements (Pujese, Fontechiaro, Piattelli, Piane-Moretto) within its jurisdiction - **Regional Heritage:** Part of Abruzzo, a region known for its natural parks, mountain landscapes, and traditional Italian culture - **Part of Italian Municipal System:** One of thousands of comuni that form the administrative backbone of Italy - **Moderate International Presence:** Sitelink count of 57 indicates documented coverage across multiple language versions of Wikipedia ## Body ### Geography and Location Francavilla al Mare is positioned at coordinates 42.418058333333° latitude and 14.291908333333° longitude, placing it in the central-eastern portion of the Italian peninsula along the Adriatic Coast. The municipality falls within the Province of Chieti, which is one of the four provinces of the Abruzzo region (the others being L'Aquila, Pescara, and Teramo). Abruzzo is located in central Italy and is characterized by its diverse geography, which includes the Apennine Mountains to the west and the Adriatic coastal plain to the east. The town's coastal position on the Adriatic Sea connects it to Italy's eastern maritime boundaries, which extend from the Gulf of Trieste in the north to the "heel" of the boot in Apulia. The Adriatic Sea is a semi-enclosed body of water that separates the Italian peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula, and it has historically served as a crucial route for trade, migration, and cultural exchange between Eastern and Western Europe. ### Administrative Structure As an Italian comune, Francavilla al Mare operates as a municipal corporation with its own elected council (consiglio comunale) and mayor (sindaco). The comune is the lowest level of administrative division in Italy, responsible for local governance matters including urban planning, building permits, civil status registration (births, deaths, marriages), local taxation, and the maintenance of local roads, parks, and public facilities. The administrative hierarchy in Italy flows from the national government in Rome, to the 20 regions, to the provinces (like Chieti), and finally to the comuni. This structure is established in the Constitution of Italy, which defines Italy as a unitary state with significant decentralization to regional and local levels. The Province of Chieti, with its capital in the city of Chieti itself, provides an intermediate level of coordination between regional policies and local municipal implementation. ### Connected Settlements and Fractions The territory of Francavilla al Mare encompasses several smaller settlements that fall under its administrative jurisdiction. These include: - **Castelvecchio:** Classified as a frazione, which is a smaller administrative division or hamlet within a comune. Frazioni are distinct settlements that, while geographically separate, are administratively part of the main comune. Castelvecchio likely represents a historic village or district within the municipal territory. - **Pujese:** A human settlement within the Francavilla al Mare administrative area, representing a smaller community or neighborhood. - **Fontechiaro:** Another settlement within the municipal boundaries, potentially named after geographic features (the name suggests a spring or water source). - **Piattelli:** A settlement within the comune, representing a local community. - **Piane-Moretto:** A settlement within the municipal territory, potentially indicating a plain (piane) area with historical significance. These settlements collectively form the residential and community fabric of the broader municipal area, each contributing to the local identity and administrative scope of Francavilla al Mare. ### Transportation and Infrastructure Francavilla al Mare is served by the Francavilla al Mare railway station, which provides connectivity to Italy's national rail network. Italy's railway system is extensive, operated primarily by Trenitalia (state-owned) and several private operators, including Treno Alta Velocità (TAV) services for high-speed rail connections. The railway station connects the municipality to regional rail services and longer-distance routes, facilitating travel to other cities in Abruzzo (such as Pescara and L'Aquila), as well as connections to other regions of Italy. Italy's transportation infrastructure operates on the right side of the road for automotive traffic, while railway traffic operates on the left—a legacy of British influence on early Italian railway development. The country is connected to the European high-speed rail network, with lines linking major cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, Naples, and Turin. ### Demographic Profile Based on the recorded population figures, Francavilla al Mare has a population ranging from approximately 25,520 to 25,663 residents. This places it as a medium-sized Italian comune, typical of many municipalities along the Adriatic coast and within the Abruzzo region. For context, Italy as a whole has a population of approximately 58.85 million people (as of 2023), with a slight female majority (30.2 million females versus 28.7 million males). Italy has a life expectancy of 83 years and a total fertility rate of 1.2 children per woman, indicating an aging demographic trend that affects communities across the country. The national unemployment rate stands at approximately 8.1%, and the country has a Human Development Index of 0.895. ### Regional Context: Abruzzo Francavilla al Mare is part of the Abruzzo region, one of Italy's 20 administrative regions. Abruzzo is located in central Italy and is bordered by the regions of Marche (to the north), Lazio (to the west), and Molise (to the south), as well as the Adriatic Sea to the east. The region has a population of approximately 1.3 million people and is known for its diverse geography, which includes: - **Mountain Areas:** The Apennine Mountains traverse the region, including the Gran Sasso d'Italia, the highest peak in the Apennines - **Coastal Areas:** The Adriatic coastline, where Francavilla al Mare is located, features sandy beaches and coastal towns - **National Parks:** Abruzzo contains several national parks, including the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, the Parco Nazionale della Majella, and the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise The regional capital is L'Aquila, though Pescara is the largest city and a major economic center. Abruzzo's economy is diverse, including agriculture (particularly wine, olive oil, and dairy products), manufacturing, tourism, and services. ### National Context: Italy Understanding Francavilla al Mare requires context about Italy as a whole: **Political Structure:** Italy is a parliamentary republic with a unitary state structure. The President of Italy serves as head of state, while the Prime Minister serves as head of government. The Italian Parliament consists of two chambers (the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate), and the country operates under the Constitution of Italy, adopted in 1948 following the establishment of the republic. **Economic Profile:** Italy has a nominal GDP of approximately $2 trillion, making it one of the world's largest economies. The country is a founding member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency (adopted in 2002, replacing the Italian Lira). Italy is renowned for its manufacturing sector, fashion industry, automotive production (including brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Fiat), and agricultural products. **International Memberships:** Italy is a member of the United Nations (since 1955), NATO (since 1949), the European Union (since 1957), the G7, the G20, the OECD, and the Schengen Area (since 1997). These memberships position Italy as a key player in European and global affairs. **Cultural Significance:** Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and is considered the cradle of Western civilization, with historical significance spanning the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, and the modern era. The Italian language is the official language, though regional languages and dialects are also spoken throughout the country. ### Historical Background The modern Italian state was established through a process of unification (Risorgimento) that culminated in the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy on March 17, 1861. Following this, Italy underwent a period of territorial expansion and modernization. After World War II, Italy became a republic on June 18, 1946, following a constitutional referendum that ended the monarchy. Francavilla al Mare, as part of this unified Italian state, has existed within the administrative framework of the Kingdom and subsequently the Republic. The comune system, which dates back to the unification period, provided the structure for local governance that continues to this day. ### Local Government and Services As a comune, Francavilla al Mare provides various services to its residents, including: - Civil registration (births, deaths, marriages) - Issuance of identity documents and passports - Building and urban planning permits - Local tax collection - Maintenance of local roads and public infrastructure - Management of local schools (from primary through secondary education) - Social services and welfare programs - Local police and emergency services coordination The municipal government is led by a mayor (sindaco) and supported by a city council (consiglio comunale). These officials are elected by residents through local elections, which are held alongside national elections. ### Tourism and Economic Activity The Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, including Francavilla al Mare, attracts both domestic and international tourists during the summer months. The region's beaches, relatively less crowded than those in more famous Italian destinations like the Amalfi Coast, appeal to visitors seeking authentic Italian coastal experiences. Tourism contributes significantly to the local economy, alongside agriculture (particularly wine production in the inland areas), small manufacturing, and services. Italy's tourism industry is a major economic driver, with the country welcoming millions of international visitors annually. The "Made in Italy" brand encompasses not only manufacturing but also culinary traditions, art, and cultural heritage—all of which are accessible to residents and visitors of communes like Francavilla al Mare. ### Digital and Administrative Presence Francavilla al Mare maintains an official website at http://www.comune.francavilla.ch.it/, providing information about local services, events, and government functions. The ".it" top-level domain indicates its status as an Italian entity, and the website follows the standard format for Italian comune websites. The municipality has a sitelink count of 57 across Wikipedia language editions, indicating moderate international documentation. This coverage is typical for Italian comuni of medium size, which may receive less attention than major cities but are nonetheless documented in encyclopedic sources. ### Conclusion Francavilla al Mare represents a characteristic Italian comune—a municipality that serves as the fundamental unit of local governance in Italy. Located in the Province of Chieti within the Abruzzo region, it contributes to the administrative, economic, and cultural fabric of Italy. Its coastal position along the Adriatic Sea, combined with its railway connectivity and several smaller settlements within its jurisdiction, makes it representative of the many medium-sized Italian municipalities that form the backbone of local governance in Italy. As part of a nation renowned for its historical significance, cultural heritage, and economic importance within the European Union, Francavilla al Mare embodies the intersection of local identity and national cohesion that defines Italian municipal administration. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Italian National Institute of Statistics 4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it) 6. GeoNames 7. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224) 8. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 9. Quora 10. Seismic classification in Italy 11. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)