Longano

Longano, a small, quaint town located in the province of Isernia, in the region of Molise was first known of around the year 1269. Carlo d’Angio’ gave the land in feud to Bertrando Bucca. The Capuano family, originally from Bojano in the province of Campobasso, became owners after the 13th century. Around 1390, Longano was acquired by the Gaetani family then after in the ownership of the D’Evoli, Ruffo, and Spinelli families. In the second half of the 15th century, Longano belonged to the Galeota family. Decades later, in the 16th century, the Perez family, of Spanish origin were in control.

 

Longano has always been a part of the region of Molise. In 1928-34 it became part of the municipality of Isernia. There is a castle that was used for defense during war times, churches that date back to the medieval times, a beautiful town center with bars that serve as the gathering places for the residents, a park for children to play, and a fountain in the center. Before 1932, the fountain served as a place where the townspeople would wash clothes. In 1932, construction on the fountain was finalized and it became a public fountain. In the summer the locals drink from the fountain to refresh themselves with the cold, crisp mountain water.

 

Today, Longano has a population of around 700 inhabitants but the population hasn’t always been a set number. Throughout the time of migration, more specifically during the years 1980-2000s is when this had a major influence on the population in Longano. People were leaving to seek work and a better life elsewhere like America, Argentina, England, France, and Germany. The following chart demonstrates the fluctuation of the population throughout the years of 1861-2011 according to the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT).