Turania

Its origins?

The historical sources about the village originally called Petescia, date its birth to about 890 AD. They belong to a document that records a donation granted to the Monastery of Farfa, one of the most important monasteries in central Italy at that time. The settlement, probably of pre-Roman origin, as evidenced by the discovery of numerous treasures, suggests a human presence near the village of San Donato. It was part of the "Patrimoniun Sancti Petri" (land donations made to the Pope). Following the barbarian invasions and the formation of the Longobard Duchy in 571 AD., years of wars and devastation began, which profoundly changed the Patrimonium with land divisions according to the style of the conquerors. At the end of the eighth century, during the reign of Charlemagne, there was a brief period of tranquility. “Castrum Petesiae” is described in some documents as a territory rich in chestnut groves and funds suitable for hemp. At the beginning of 1900, Petescia had an extension of 891 hectares and a population of 1058 inhabitants, mainly dedicated to the agricultural production of wheat, corn, legumes, and potatoes. Even though the real wealth was constituted by the vigorous chestnut groves, the rich soil allowed the cultivation of vines and orchards. Of great importance is the local industry of terracotta shingles and bricks at the ancient kilns with which some antique buildings in neighboring countries have been restored. After the Second World War, Turania suffered widespread looting and violence from the occupying German army as well as the neighboring countries such as Vivaro Romano, Pozzaglia, and Paganico. In 1946, with the free elections, the will to change the name arose among the population. With the Presidential Decree of March 1950, the town took the name of Turania. It derives from the homonymous river that crosses it and gives its name to the same valley and the homonymous lake.