Marzano di Nola
A Greeting to Marzano di Nola
Hello everyone! Today I'm taking you on a journey to discover Marzano di Nola, a Campanian town with a long history. With a population of 1620 inhabitants, it was awarded the title of "Marian City" in 2014 and is located in the province of Avellino. Are you ready to learn more?
Physical Geography
Marzano di Nola is located in the Agro Nolano, at the eastern end of the Campanian Plains. It is crossed by the Regi Lagni and is located a short distance from the nearby city of Nola. The Vallo di Lauro flows to the right of the town, and the altitude varies between 68 and 450 meters above sea level. The municipal seat, at 90 meters, is the lowest in the province.
Origin of the Name
The origin of the name Marzano di Nola is still debated among scholars. It seems that the town has Etruscan origins, as demonstrated by some archaeological finds. It is possible that it derives from the prefect of Nola Marcianus or from Pandolfo di Morezano, father of the famous executioner Gisulfo. There is also the hypothesis that the toponym has Oscan origins, deriving from the cult of the deity Mamerte, linked to the god Mars.
History
The history of Marzano is long and interesting. The first sources date back to the VI-VII century BC, when the Etruscans moved to the nearby Pompeii due to a volcanic eruption. Marzano followed the events of Nola and was looted first by Sulla and then by Spartacus. In the XIV century, the population grew thanks to the fragmentation of the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, who descended from the hill attracted by the fertility of the plain.
Marzano di Nola was occupied by the Lombards and then became part of the Duchy of Naples after a war against the Lombards. Its territory was strategic for the connection between Magna Graecia and the internal part of the Italian peninsula.
Marian City
On December 14th, 2014, Marzano di Nola was awarded the title of "Marian City" by the Archbishop of Naples. This title is usually attributed to cities with a strong attention to Marian devotion and the presence of places of worship dedicated to Mary. Marzano di Nola boasts several Marian sanctuaries, including the Sanctuary of Madonna delle Grazie and the Sanctuary of San Biagio.
Life in Marzano di Nola
Marzano di Nola is a quiet and welcoming town. Its strategic location makes it an excellent starting point to visit the surrounding Campanian towns. The town is famous for the cultivation of vegetables and typical products such as olive oil and wine. The Marzanese cuisine is based on simple and genuine ingredients, such as the piennolo tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and homemade bread.
The surrounding territory offers many opportunities for nature lovers. It is possible to take walks in the oak forests or visit the San Michele caves, famous for stalactites and stalagmites. Places of worship offer a solid spiritual basis for the faithful, while traditional events such as the Marzano di Nola Carnival bring animation and fun to the town.
Conclusions
Here is our journey to discover Marzano di Nola. A town with a long history, a strong Marian devotion, and a cuisine based on genuine and quality products. Thank you for following me on this adventure! If you are looking for a quiet and welcoming place to enjoy good food and immerse yourself in the surrounding nature, Marzano di Nola is the right place for you. See you soon!
