Valtopina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Valtopina | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Valtopina | |
 View of Valtopina | |
  Valtopina Location of Valtopina in Italy  Valtopina Valtopina (Umbria) | |
| Coordinates: 43°03′32″N 12°45′16″E / 43.05896°N 12.754583°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Umbria |
| Province | Province of Perugia (PG) |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Gabriele Coccia |
| Area | |
• Total | 40.5 km2 (15.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 366 m (1,201 ft) |
| Population (1 January 2025)[2] | |
• Total | 1,288 |
| • Density | 31.8/km2 (82.4/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Valtopinesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 06030 |
| Dialing code | 0742 |
| Website | Official website  |
Valtopina is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Perugia in the Italian region Umbria, located about 30 km east of Perugia.
The name Valtopina derives from the position of the settlement, located low in a valley and bordered by the Topino river.[3]
The community was originally known as Cerqua (referring to oak trees or woodland). This earlier name remained in official cartography until the 20th century and is still used locally.[4]
History
Between the 10th and 11th centuries a system of castles and villages developed in the area, forming the Universitas Vallis Topini et Villae Balciani. This territorial entity included the districts of Poggio, Santa Cristina, Gallano, Pasano, Serra and Balciano.[4]
By 1235 the territory extended to roughly twice its present size and constituted an autonomous viscounty within the Duchy of Spoleto. The viscount held a temporary office, with administrative authority exercised from the castle of Poggio and supported by a council composed of heads of households. During the 13th century the area suffered territorial losses as a result of political conflicts.[4]
Submission to Assisi in 1282 was undertaken to counter the expansion of Foligno, but autonomy was restored in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII. From 1383 to 1439 the territory was ruled by the Trinci family of Foligno as viscounts. Statutes issued in 1434 under Corrado Trinci remained in force until 1816.[4]
Throughout the Middle Ages the population was concentrated mainly on the hills, while settlement in the valley developed in connection with trade along the Via Flaminia.[4]
In the late 15th century a fair dedicated to San Bernardino was established at the confluence of the Topino and a watercourse known as the Anna.[4]
The castle of Poggio remained the administrative seat until around 1800. Between 1816 and 1817 Valtopina was dependent on the government of Nocera. It became an autonomous municipality in 1827 with a mayor, but in 1833 it was again placed under the administration of Nocera.[4]
In 1860 the territory was annexed to the Kingdom of Sardinia. Between 1927 and 1947 it was annexed to the municipality of Foligno, before being restored as an autonomous municipality in 1948.[4]
In 1895 Valtopina had a population of 1,279 inhabitants.[5]
Geography
Valtopina is situated in the valley of the Topino river, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Nocera and 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Foligno. The river Topino flows near the settlement, and the Via Flaminia passes through the area.[5]
The surrounding territory is predominantly mountainous.[5] The Furlo Pass crosses the area.[6]
The chief settlement of the municipality, also recorded under the names Val Sopina and Cerqua, is of relatively modern origin and is noted in the 19th century as having no particular historical importance.[5] Cerqua developed as a roadside settlement along the Via Flaminia, near the church of San Pietro.[4]
Valtopina borders the following municipalities: Assisi, Foligno, Nocera Umbra, Spello.
Subdivisions
The municipality includes the localities of Balciano, Casa Tommaso, Cerqua Rosara, Fosso della Ghianda, Giove, L'Opera Pia, Ponterio, Valtopina.[7]
In 2021, 448 people lived in rural dispersed dwellings not assigned to any named locality.[7] At the time, the most populous locality was Valtopina proper (611).[7]
