celuilà

Celuilà is a fictional city and the capital of the maritime principality of Lyria in the imagined world of Novara. It functions as a central hub for trade, culture, and politics within the setting, and appears in multiple works of speculative fiction and worldbuilding projects.

Etymology: The name Celuilà derives from Celian roots, with cel- meaning “sky” and -uilà indicating a harbor, a combination commonly understood as “sky harbor.”

Geography and demographics: It sits on the southeastern coast of the Archipelago of Lyria, at the mouth of the Auri River. The population is about 320,000; Celian is the official language, with minority communities speaking Ardent and Nyvian. Literacy in trade languages is common among merchants and sailors.

History: The city was founded in the 13th century by navigator Celus and grew as a trading post linking inland routes to maritime networks. Its limestone-and-brick architecture developed between the 14th and 16th centuries. Celuilà endured sieges and economic shifts during regional conflicts and later revived as a port city in the 19th century industrial era.

Governance: Celuilà is governed by a mayor and a twelve-member city council elected for four-year terms, operating within a semi-autonomous framework under the League of Lyria.

Economy and culture: The economy centers on port activities, shipbuilding, timber, spice trade, and ceramics. Cultural life features seafaring music, lantern festivals, and canal-side markets. The Lantern Market is a weekly event that draws artisans, merchants, and travelers.

Landmarks: Notable sites include the Lantern Bastion, the Celuilà Observatory, and the Auri Bridge.

In fiction: Celuilà is a recurring setting in Novaran literature, used to explore themes of trade, migration, and coastal identity.