Inhabitants in 1991: 4.570
The
Municipal territory of Dicomano extends for 61,76 square kilometres in
the middle of Val di Sieve, reaching the Apennine crest with a narrow
strip of its territory along the course of the Corella channel. Feudal
land, then Podesta Office at the beginning of the XVI century,
became community in 1774, reached its present day size in 1973
after having aggregated in 1893 the districts of Celle and Villa which
were removed from the municipality of Vicchio and later having ceded,
in both case to the advantage of Londa, the districts of Petroio and Vicorati
in 1925 and another small portion of territory, for an adjustment of boundaries,
in 1973.
The original nucleus of the town was perhaps that of a Roman settlement
(this theme is sustained by certain etymologists and by the finding of
tombs going back to the first century A.D.) and, abandoned following
the first invasion, it could have been rebuilt by the Longobardi.
Certainly the oldest documentation of this place is in 1103
with a leasing contract stipulated by the Bishop of Firenze with
two persons, one of which was named Germanico. In 1220 Federico II
ceded, as feudal, half the town and part of the surrounding territory
to the Guidi Counts of the Guido Guerra branch; as Dicomano was a settlement
without walls, for defence the Pozzo Castle was constructed on
the hillock to the right of the parish church (traces of the castle's
ruins are all that remain today) while the actual Dicomano had the means
to develop as a market and road junction. In 1337 the Guidi Counts
sold the castle to the Bardi and in 1375 the Fiorentina republic acquired
the entire county. The community received notable benefits with the
opening of the road for Forlì which was constructed by the Grand
Duke Lorenesi (1824-59). In 1919 Dicomano was severely damaged by an earthquake.
Places to visit: S. Maria, ancient parish church
going back to the XI century, damaged several times by earthquakes
and time and again restored until the last restoration in 1975. The
bell tower is believed to the part of the Guidi Castle. |
Historical info reproduced upon authorization of Regione Toscana - Dipartimento della Presidenza E Affari Legislativi e Giuridici
Translated by Ann Mountford |