napune

Napune is a small municipality situated in the northern part of the province of Rimini within the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The comune covers an area of approximately 14 square kilometres and lies at an elevation of around 38 metres above sea level. Its geographic coordinates place it near the Adriatic coastline, roughly 30 kilometres south of the regional capital, Bologna, and about 20 kilometres north of the city of Rimini.

The earliest documented mention of Napune dates back to the 8th century, when it appeared in a papal donation record as a rural estate under the control of the Abbey of San Benedetto. Over the centuries, the town remained primarily agrarian, cultivating cereals, beans, and vineyards. The 14th‑15th centuries brought an influx of artisans, and Napune gained modest renown for its hand‑woven textiles and ceramic ware, many of which were exported to neighboring Lombardy and Tuscany. The town was annexed by the Duchy of Parma in 1605 and subsequently became part of the Kingdom of Italy following the unification movement in the mid‑19th century.

Modern Napune maintains a population of approximately 4,800 residents, with a median age of 45 years. The local economy today is diversified: agriculture (particularly olive oil and lavender cultivation) coexists with small‑scale manufacturing and tourism activities centred on the historic centre, municipal museum, and nearby coastal resorts. A notable cultural event is the annual Festa della Vite, held every August to celebrate the region’s viticultural heritage. The municipal administration is led by a mayor and a council elected every five years, in line with Italian local government statutes.