Mara
Mara: a municipality in Meilogu
Mara is an Italian municipality located in the province of Sassari, in the region of Meilogu. With a population of approximately 528 inhabitants, it is about 50 kilometers away from both Alghero and Sassari.
History and Culture
The area of Mara has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic and Nuragic periods, as demonstrated by the human and animal remains found in the caves of Filiestru and Sa Ucca de Su Tintirriolu, which are part of the "Culture of Bonuighinu" of the middle Neolithic age. In the 14th century, the settlement around the castle of Bonu Ighinu was built by the Genoese family of Doria and sold to the judges of Arborea. In 1436, it was incorporated into the barony of Bonvehì granted in feudal by the King of Aragon to Pietro Ferrer. The town later passed to the Amat Manca Guiso family and was redeemed in 1839 with the suppression of the feudal system by the House of Savoy. Today, Mara still maintains its historical treasures, such as the sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonu Ighinu, the church of San Giovanni Battista, and the church of Santa Croce.
Symbols
The coat of arms and flag of Mara were granted by the President of the Republic in 2005. The flag is a white cloth with a red border.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Mara has several places of cultural and historical interest. Among the religious architecture, there are the sanctuary of Our Lady of Bonu Ighinu, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Church of Santa Croce. Among the civil architecture, visitors can see the ruins of the Castle of Bonvehì. The caves of Sa Ucca de su Tintirriolu and Filiestru are also a tourist attraction.
Society
Mara has had a steady demographic growth in recent years. The local dialect is the variant of the Sardinian Logudorese language of the northern Logudorese.
Administration
The management of the municipality of Mara is entrusted to the local administration.
Bibliography and External Links
For more information on the history and attractions of Mara, one can refer to the works of G. Deriu, including "Mara" in "Study on the Medieval Historic Centers of Meilogu". Other projects and external links are available on the website of the Municipality of Mara. It is recommended to visit Mara to discover the beauty and culture of this Italian municipality.
