Maruggio

Maruggio is a village and comune in the Taranto province in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. The village is located in a natural depression 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the Gulf of Taranto, in the north-west part of Salento peninsula. In the village there are 5,539 inhabitants. The nearest villages are Torricella at 6 kilometres (4 mi), Sava at 10 kilometres (6 mi), Manduria at 12 kilometres (7 mi) and Avetrana at 16 kilometres (10 mi). Territory Inland The territory of Maruggio extends for 48.33 square kilometres (18.66 sq mi) on a level land, with some low-rise hills in the north part of the territory, which reaches a maximum elevation of 101 metres (331 ft). There are no rivers, except a little creek, the Canale del Curso, near Castigno, in the western part of Maruggio's territory. Coast The coast extends for 9.2 kilometres (5.7 mi), and it is mainly sandy but with rocky parts near Acquadolce Cirenaica and Monaco Mirante. History Maruggio was founded by Gorgolano, a governor of the Byzantine emperor Niceforo Foca, with the union from the ancient hamlets of Castigno, Olivaro, Albano, Roselle and San Nicolò. After it was governed since 1317 to 1819 from the Knights of Malta. Then, in 1819, it became a free common. During its history it has been attacked by Saracens that however destroyed it only once, but no one died in their attacks. Economy Tourism is the main wealth source. Tourism is developed especially along the coast, in the village of Campomarino, that is very famous for its clean sea, for the wonderful beach and in particular for the harbour, that is only along the coast between Taranto and Porto Cesareo. But the economy is tied up to the agriculture too. In fact Maruggio is famous for the oil and wine Primitivo. Art and monuments Ancient monastery Mother church Castle Clock tower Annunziata's church San Giovanni's church Madonna del Verde's church Ancient city centre There is also a wonderful historic center, with its medieval tortuous streets and its old palaces with wonderful balconies. The most beautiful palaces are: Longo's Palace (16th century) Morleo's Palace (19th century) Armieri's Palace (17th century) Massafra's Palace (19th century) Covelli-De Marco's Palace Caniglia's Palace where today there is a library. There are also the old Seminar (19th century) in Campomarino and the Villa Montoto along the street for Manduria. References