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°ECoordinates: 40°19′22″N 17°34′25″E / 40.32278°N 17.57361°E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region |
 Apulia |
| Province / Metropolitan city | Taranto (TA) |
| Frazioni | Acquadolce Cirenaica, Campomarino di Maruggio, Capoccia Scorcialupi, Commenda, Monaco Mirante |
| Area | |
| • Total | 48 km2 (19 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Population (31 December 2013)[1] | |
| • Total | 5,426 |
| • Density | 110/km2 (290/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | 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 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 5,426 inhabitants (2013). 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 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:
- Caniglia's Palace where today there is a library
- Covelli-De Marco's Palace
- Longo's Palace (16th century)
- Armieri's Palace (17th century)
- Massafra's Palace (19th century)
- Morleo's Palace (19th century).
There are also the old Seminar (19th century) in Campomarino and the Villa Montoto along the street for Manduria.
Ionian See near Campomarino 
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Maruggio. |