Maruggio, the village born from the merger of farmhouses

Maruggio, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, owes its name to two natural elements: it could derive from the medicinal herb Marubium or from “mare uggioso” (moody sea), due to the sirocco wind that characterizes its winter coasts. Its history dates back to between 870 and 963, when it was formed from the merger of the hamlets of Castigno, Olivaro, Civitecchia, and S. Nicolò. Around 1100, Maruggio became part of the Terra d'Otranto under the Order of the Templars, later replaced by the Knights of Malta, who defended the village from Turkish pirates by building the castle and coastal towers, which can still be seen today. The feudal era ended in 1806, while the Knights remained until 1819, leaving an indelible mark on the territory.

The beauty of the village

The village of Maruggio charms visitors with its landscape dotted with centuries-old olive trees, trulli, farmhouses, and dry stone walls enclosing vineyards producing Primitivo, the wine that symbolizes the region.

The historic center, once known as Terra Murata and now renamed “Sciangài,” is a labyrinth of white alleys lined with Renaissance residences and palaces linked to the presence of the Templars and the Knights of Malta. The centerpiece of the village is the Mother Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (15th-16th century), built in carparo stone and enriched with paintings by the Bianchi brothers, a wooden crucifix, and the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Next to it is the Palazzo del Commendatore, while outside the walls stands the Church of San Giovanni.

Of great importance is the Convent of the Friars Minor Observant, now the town hall, with its 17th-century frescoed cloister. Along the coast, the watchtowers, including the striking Torre dell'Ovo, tell the story of the defense against Saracen raids. Just 2 km away, Campomarino di Maruggio combines history and tourism with its port, golden beaches, and famous coastal dunes, unique in Italy for their height and Mediterranean biodiversity.

Events in Maruggio

Maruggio offers a rich calendar of religious festivals, popular traditions, and cultural events, especially in summer. After the feast of the patron saints St. John and St. Christopher (July 13-14), the village and Campomarino host the National Gathering of Small Bands, the Strada dei Saperi e dei Sapori (Road of Knowledge and Flavors), and the Primitivo Jazz Festival, where taste, wine, oil, and typical dishes meet art, music, and exhibitions of rural traditions.

Campomarino hosts musical and sporting events and the Q-Cine festival, while from July to September the Teatro Mare offers entertaining comedies in dialect. On August 15, the procession of the Madonna dell'Alto Mare is celebrated with a fireworks display. In winter, don't miss the competition between the districts of Chiesa and Convento and the lighting of the ‘Crištu piccinnu’ fires on Christmas Eve, combining excitement and ancient folk traditions.

Photo credits Miti74