Limosano

Limosano is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian region Molise, located about 14 kilometres (9 mi) northwest of Campobasso. As of December 31, 2004, it has a population of 900 inhabitants within an area of 28.1 square kilometres (10.8 sq mi). Limosano borders the following municipalities: Castropignano, Fossalto, Lucito, Montagano, Petrella Tifernina, Ripalimosani, Sant'Angelo Limosano. In the Middle Ages, Limosano was a major centre of the Molise Region and its population exceeded that of the current Provincial capital, Campobasso. Amongst the three ancient churches in the village, the one closest to what is believed to have been a feudal castle was the mother church of the ancient diocese of Limosanum. The village's patron saint, Santo Ludovico, served in Limosano as a Franciscan. He was the great grandson of King Louis IX of France and the bishop of Toulouse. The village is a unique medieval hilltown. The homes of the current inhabitants have modern interiors, while the external architecture of a medieval town has been retained. Limosano is also the birthplace of Igino Petrone, a famous Italian philosopher, contemporary and personal friend of Cardinal Newman of New York. It is believed that his writings were greatly influenced by the theological influence of the Cardinal. From the mid-19th century through to the mid-20th century thousands emigrated from Limosano to Canada and the United States. A large proportion of the descendants of Limosano once counting some 3000 inhabitants now live in Toronto and the St. Catharines Niagara region of Ontario, Canada. The following surnames, prominent in the Italian community of Toronto and the surrounding area originated in this village in the Molise region of Italy: DeAngelis, Pulla, Ricciuto, Colavecchia, D'Addario, Del Gobbo, Di Gregorio, Minicucci, Gabriele, Giancola, Amoroso, Romano, Ramolo, Fracassi, Iamonaco, Marcantonio, Covatta, Tata, Gravina Demographic evolution References ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.