Gragnano

Gragnano is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Naples in the Italian region Campania, located about 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of Naples. As of 1 January 2007, it had a population of 29,818 and an area of 14.6 square kilometres (5.6 sq mi). "A hill town wedged between a mountain crest and the Amalfi Coast," Gragnano is home some of the best dried pasta in Italy. A group of artisanal producers in the area are seeking a European Union designation that would protect the pasta's provenance. The municipality of Gragnano contains the frazioni (subdivisions, mainly villages and hamlets) Aurano and Caprile. Gragnano borders the following municipalities: Agerola, Casola di Napoli, Castellammare di Stabia, Lettere, Pimonte, Ravello, Sant'Antonio Abate, Santa Maria la Carità, Scala. Pasta Gragnano's "main street was laid out expressly to capture the mountain breeze mixed with sea air back when pasta makers hung spaghetti on drying rods like laundry," according to a Forbes Life write up. More recently heaters are used to dry the pasta at low temperatures (approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit) for two days and it is shaped with bronze to give it a rough texture, producing a pasta with "nuttier aroma and chewier mouth feel" Notable people The actor Tito Vuolo (1893-1962) was born there. It is said to be the inspiration for a young Bruno Bozzetto who dreamt up the idea for cartoon Mr. Rossi here whilst staying as a teenager with his family. Demographic evolution References External links web.rcm.napoli.it/gragnano