Francofonte (Siracusa Province) is 64 km from Sircausa, alt. 281 m, in the northeastern Hyblaean Mountains, on the northern slopes of Monte Lauro, area 73.9 sq km, pop. 14,616, post-code 96015, tel. 095. Economy: citrus fruit and other agricultural produce, stone quarries.
Very likely the Siceliot city of Hydra was located northeast of Francofonte.
The modern town developed in the second half of the 14th century, around the castle; it was the fief of various families - Chiaromonte, Cruyllas, Moncada and Gravina.
Of interest: Palazzo Palagonio, now the Town Hall; Palazzo Gravina built in 18th century.
Churches (Siracusa Diocese) include the following:
Families researched in these records include the following:
Links to other sites about Francofonte include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily - A Reference for Researchers and is now available. With a file for each town (plus many other files), it relates the history of Sicily as reflected in the photos, records and festivals of its towns. It contains over 2500 text and photo files and can be ordered at CD order.
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