Marliana
Welcome to Marliana, the mountain pearl of Tuscany!
Are you ready for a journey through the wonders of the Municipality of Marliana? This charming town in the province of Pistoia in Tuscany, with its 3155 inhabitants and its medium-altitude mountain location, is waiting for you to discover its ancient history and its architectural and artistic treasures.
Let's discover the physical geography of Marliana
The territory of Marliana belongs to seismic zone 2, as indicated in Deliberation GRT no. 878 of 8/10/2012. Furthermore, the climate in this area is classified as zone E, with 2503 degree days, and atmospheric diffusivity is low, as indicated by Ibimet CNR 2002.
The ancient history of Marliana
The lands of the Municipality of Marliana have been inhabited since prehistoric times and were populated by the Ligurians and then by the Romans from the 3rd century BC. Archaeological excavations have unearthed a burial from the 3rd century BC.
During the barbarian invasions of the 6th century AD, the area of Marliana was part of the defensive line implemented by the Byzantines. During the communal age, Marliana became the Pistoiese outpost towards the territories of Lucca and the castle was destroyed by the troops of Montecatini Terme in 1177. In 1319, the territories were occupied by Castruccio Castracani, a Lucca's military leader, and then passed to Pistoia and finally to Florence.
In the 19th century, the town experienced a real demographic boom, but at the plebiscite of 1860 for the annexation of Tuscany to the Kingdom of Sardinia, abstentionism was recorded, demonstrating opposition to such annexation.
The symbols of Marliana
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Marliana consists of a marlia or mesh, a metal plate used in mills. This tool recalls the milling activity of the area.
The monuments and places of interest in Marliana
Among the religious architecture, the Church of San Niccolò stands out, documented since 1373. The church was elevated to a parish in 1593 and underwent important restoration work in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Inside, there are works of the Robbian school, such as a polychrome statue of the Madonna with Child and a pair of kneeling candlestick-holding angels.
Conclusions
We have come to the end of our tour through the beauties of Marliana, the mountain pearl of Tuscany. We hope to have introduced you to this place of ancient charm, rich in history and art. We invite you to visit this little jewel and let yourself be enchanted by its beauty. See you soon!
