Comune

Comune is an administrative division in Italy, roughly equivalent to a township or municipality in other countries. The term is derived from the Latin "communis", meaning "common".

History

The concept of the comune dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was used to denote a self-governing city or town. The comune system was a significant development in the political and social structure of Italy during this period, as it allowed for greater local autonomy and self-governance.

Structure

Each comune is governed by a Mayor and a council, known as the Consiglio Comunale. The Mayor, known as the Sindaco, is the head of the comune, while the Consiglio Comunale is the legislative body.

Functions

The comune is responsible for local governance, including the provision of public services such as waste collection, road maintenance, and local planning. It also has the power to levy local taxes and fees.

Variations

There are variations in the structure and functions of the comune depending on the region of Italy. For example, in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the comune has a greater degree of autonomy and is known as a Gemeinde.

See also

• Provinces of Italy
• Regions of Italy
• Metropolitan cities of Italy