Chiusano di San Domenico

Chiusano di San Domenico is a town and comune in the province of Avellino, Campania, southern Italy. Situated at 750 metres (2,460 ft) above sea level, Chiusano is on the western slope of Mount Tuoro. In recent years Chiusano has experienced stagnant population growth with its 2009 population of 2,428 residents below its 1991 population of 2,539. History Residence in Chiusano can be traced to the times of Ancient Rome based on the discovery of coins, pottery, and tombs. During the 11th century the Lombards ruled the area and life in Chiusano centered on a castle that was constructed on nearby Mount Dominic. Family surnames and American immigration The six most popular surnames in Chiusano are Cataldo, Picardi, Dello Russo, Rizzo, Muollo and Reppucci. A number of Italian-American families can trace their ancestry to Southern Italy due to the relatively high rates of poverty and limited economic opportunities available in that region compared to the more affluent Northern Italy. Consequently, several Italian-American families immigrated from Chiusano in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Immigration from Chiusano appears to be particularly acute to Boston, Massachusetts, and its North End neighborhood. In fact, residents of Boston erected a monument in Chiusano celebrating the contributions of Chiusano residents during World War II. This monument features representatives of the Cataldo, Dello Russo, and Celata families. Religious monuments Chiusano is home to multiple buildings of religious, historical, and architectural significance including The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (1710), The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament of the Rosary (1712), and The Hermitage of Santa Maria Valley (1230). Notes and references