Avegno, Switzerland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Avegno
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 Avegno
Location in Switzerland
Avegno
Location in Canton of Ticino
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| Country | Switzerland | |
| Canton | Ticino | |
| District | Vallemaggia | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 8.13 km2 (3.14 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 293 m (961 ft) | |
| Population | ||
| • Total | 540 | |
| • Density | 66.4/km2 (172.0/sq mi) | |
| Postal code |
6670
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| Surrounded by | Brione sopra Minusio, Gordevio, Locarno, Maggia, Mergoscia, Minusio, Orselina, Tegna, Verscio | |
Avegno was a small town, also called a municipality, located in the Vallemaggia area of Ticino, a canton in Switzerland. On April 20, 2008, Avegno joined with another town called Gordevio to create a new municipality named Avegno Gordevio.
In 1982, Avegno received a special award called the Wakker Prize from the Swiss Heritage Society. This award recognized the town's great efforts to protect and keep its old, beautiful buildings and history safe.
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History of Avegno
Avegno was first mentioned in official records way back in 1189. Back then, it was known as Vegno.
In the 1300s, Avegno and Gordevio shared a chaplain, who is a type of religious leader. Later, in 1645, they became separate parishes, meaning they each had their own church and religious community. The main church, called SS Luca e Abbondio, was built in 1313. It was made bigger in the 1600s, and beautiful stucco decorations were added.
Long ago, most people in Avegno worked in farming. Today, farming is not a main job there anymore. Some people used to make things by hand, like baskets and pottery, or cut stone. These jobs helped people stay in the town. In recent years, more people have moved to Avegno because it is close to the city of Locarno.
Some businesses have also opened in the valley. There are now different sports places and campsites for visitors. In 1982, Avegno won the Wakker Prize. This award showed how well the town worked to keep its historic look.
Geography of Avegno
Avegno is located in the Vallemaggia district. It sits at the bottom of a valley, on the left side of the Maggia river. The former town was made up of three smaller parts. Over time, these parts grew together to form one single village.
Avegno's Coat of Arms
The official blazon (description) of Avegno's coat of arms is: Per fess azure and gules overall a tower with a banner argent surrounded with three doves volant two and one. This means the shield is divided into two parts, blue on top and red on the bottom. In the middle, there is a silver tower with a flag. Three silver doves fly around the tower.
People of Avegno
In December 2004, Avegno had a population of 540 people. Most of the people in Avegno speak Italian language. About 87% of the population spoke Italian in 2000. The second most common language was German, spoken by about 9.5% of the people. A small number, about 0.8%, spoke French.
In 2000, about 35.5% of the people living in Avegno were born there. Another 34.5% were born in the same canton, Ticino. About 13% were born in other parts of Switzerland, and nearly 15% were born outside of Switzerland.
The chart below shows how the population of Avegno has changed over time:
Economy in Avegno
In 2000, 211 people living in Avegno had jobs. About 33% of these workers were women. Many people traveled into Avegno for work, while others traveled out of the town for their jobs. More workers came into Avegno than left it. About 22% of the people who came to work in Avegno were from outside Switzerland.
Education in Avegno
In Avegno, about 41% of the population had finished upper secondary education. This is education after middle school that is not required. About 13% of the people had gone on to higher education. This means they attended a university or a special college called a Fachhochschule. Of those who completed higher education, most were Swiss men.
In 2000, only 1 student in Avegno came from another town to study. However, 75 residents of Avegno went to schools outside of the town.
