Maruggio

Maruggio Maruggiu
—  Comune  —
Comune di Maruggio
Maruggio Location of Maruggio in Italy
Coordinates: 40°19′22″N 17°34′25″E / 40.32278°N 17.57361°E / 40.32278; 17.57361Coordinates: 40°19′22″N 17°34′25″E / 40.32278°N 17.57361°E / 40.32278; 17.57361
Country	Italy
Region	Puglia
Province	Taranto (TA)
Frazioni	Acquadolce Cirenaica, Campomarino di Maruggio, Capoccia Scorcialupi, Commenda, Monaco Mirante
Area
- Total	48 km2 (18.5 sq mi)
Elevation	26 m (85 ft)
Population (31 October 2009)[1]
- Total	5,539
- Density	115.4/km2 (298.9/sq mi)
Demonym	Maruggesi (Maruggisi in local dialect)
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
- Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	74020
Dialing code	099
Patron saint	San Giovanni Battista and San Cristoforo
Saint day	13–14 July
Website	Official website

Maruggio is a small town and comune in the Taranto province in the Apulia region of southeast Italy. In the town there are 5,539 inhabitants. Near Maruggio there are Torricella (6 km), Sava (10 km), Manduria (12 km) and Avetrana (16 km).

History

Maruggio was founded by Gorgolano, a governator of the Byzantine empereor 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 wealt'h 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

In this town there are also some artistic jewels. There are:

• the Monastery (16th century)
• the Mother Church (14th century)
• the Castle (or Palazzo dei Commendatori, 14th century)
• the clock tower (19th century)
• the Annunziata's Church (17th century)
• the San Giovanni's church (15th century)
• the Madonna del Verde's church (16th century).

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.

• 

  Ionian See near Campomarino
• 
• 

References

1. ^ Population from ISTAT