Senarica

Senarica is a village in the Abruzzo region of central Italy. With a population of less than 300 people, Senarica was an independent republic for about four centuries until the end of the eighteenth century. It was the smallest state to maintain an independent status for that long, although now it is just a "frazione" of the "comune" of Crognaleto.

Geography

It lies west of Teramo city, in the province of Teramo.

History

Senàrica and the neighbouring village Poggio Umbricchio became independent in circa 1343, when Queen Giovanna I of Angiò granted the area independence because of the inhabitants' fierce opposition against the enemy troops of Milan under Lord Luchino I Visconti's relative Ambrogio Visconti. Impressed by the splendor of the dogal Republic of Venice, Senàrica rulers adopted a similar republican government, with an elected doge as head of state.

Its coat of arms was a black shield with a silver lion (as the symbol of the state) fetching a snake of the same colour. These arms appeared on a gold gonfalon and on the seal as well. In the village's cathedral is still visible a reproduction of the lion, which in this particular image is topped by a crown.

Homonym

Senarica is also a family name. One member of the family is the minor Italian actor Piero Senarica.

Notes and references

*Catholic
* [http://www.dimmidove.com/uncemabruzzo/cm-gran-sasso/crognal.htm municipal website] (in Italian - NOT used yet; includes a map and photos)
* [http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/it_rosen.html Flags of the World]
*Aldo ZIGGOTIO, an article published on the Italian bulletin "Armi Antiche", 1987