Greccio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Comune di Greccio | |
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| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Lazio |
| Province | Rieti (RI) |
| Elevation | 705 m (2,313 ft) |
| Area | 17 km² (7 sq mi) |
| Population (as of 2007) | |
| - Total | 1,503 |
| - Density | 88/km² (228/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | |
| Gentilic | |
| Dialing code | 0746 |
| Postal code | 02040 |
Greccio is an old hilltown and comune of the province of Rieti in the Italian region of Lazio, 42°27N 12°45E, at 705 meters (2313 ft) above sea-level overhanging the Velino river on a spur of the Monti Sabini, a sub-range of the Apennines, about 16 km (10 mi) by road NW of Rieti, the nearest large town. The population of the comune was 1500 as of the 2003 census.
[edit] History and Monuments
- The town first makes its appearance as Grecce or Grezze in the 11th century, when it had a castle. The castle has now disappeared except for a single tower, which is now the belfry of the church of S. Michele.
- Greccio is notable as the place where, in December 1223, St. Francis devised the first living crib (in Italian: presepe). The idea was to discourage would-be pilgrims to go to Bethlehem, as it was a risky adventure, the Holy Land being then under the control of the Turks. The tradition continues there to this day, and a memorial of St. Francis, the Santuario di S. Francesco, may be visited.
[edit] Greccio today
The actual town of Greccio has been depopulating, and the administrative functions of the comune are now in the frazione of Limiti di Greccio.
[edit] External links
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