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Welcome to San Marzano sul Sarno: an interesting Italian destination

Hello everyone! Today I'll be talking about San Marzano sul Sarno, a town in southern Italy with a population of approximately 10,000 inhabitants.

Geography of San Marzano sul Sarno

San Marzano sul Sarno is located in the area of Agro Nocerino Sarnese, near Mount Vesuvius. It lies in a border area between the metropolitan city of Naples and Agro Nocerino Sarnese. Its seismic classification is in zone 2, which means it has medium seismicity.

San Marzano sul Sarno: History, Attractions and Traditions

Etymology of the name San Marzano

It is said that the name San Marzano might be derived from an agionym, which is the name of the patron saint of the place.

History of San Marzano sul Sarno

Human presence in the Sarno river valley dates back to the 9th century BC and 6th century BC, when the Sarrastri inhabited the area and numerous tombs and necropolises were found. However, over time, other nearby cities such as Nuceria Alfaterna and Pompeii took precedence over the population of San Marzano. In 601, Pope Gregory I mentioned the presence of a Benedictine monastery in San Marzano which was later destroyed by the Lombards. In 1220, San Marzano was granted by the Emperor Frederick II to the Montevergine Sanctuary.

In the sixteenth century, the fiefdom was granted to the Del Tufo family, later becoming a marquisate of the Mastrilli family. During this period, San Marzano had several litigation with other communities in the Sarno river valley due to a dam on the river.

In 1806, feudal rights were abolished and San Marzano became a municipality in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. In 1862, the municipality assumed its current name. In 1903, the archaeologist Ettore Pais conducted an excavation campaign in the area of San Marzano that brought to light some materials dating back to the 9th century BC.

San Marzano sul Sarno today

San Marzano sul Sarno is a picturesque and lively town that offers many attractions to tourists. One of the most famous places is the Municipal Palace, built in 1871, which represents the elegance of the era in which it was built. There are also many commercial activities where you can buy souvenirs and local products.

Furthermore, San Marzano houses the Civic Museum, which contains several archaeological relics and important documents that tell the history and evolution of the municipality. In the town, there are also several churches such as the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine and the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

San Marzano also hosts several traditional festivals such as the Feast of San Giovanni Battista in June, where you can enjoy local music and culinary specialties. In September, there is the famous San Marzano Fair, which attracts tourists from all over the region.

So, if you're thinking of visiting southern Italy, San Marzano sul Sarno is definitely a place you should consider. Not only can you admire the historic and cultural beauty of the municipality, but you can also enjoy the hospitality and friendliness of the locals.

Camilla Ricci
Wrote by Camilla Ricci
Updated Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023