Maruggio cannot be seen from the sea, and that is no accident: it was built inside a natural hollow precisely so as not to be spotted by Saracen ships, and it was peopled by the survivors of six hamlets those raids had destroyed. From 1317 to 1819 the village belonged to the Knights of Malta, who worked on it so much that the old centre is largely their doing.
The sea in front of it, though, has given something back: in 1965 the archaeologist Peter Throckmorton found the wreck of a Greek ship off the Capoccia and Scorcialupi shores. And on the promontory of Campomarino, where the sanctuary of the Madonnina dell'Altomare stands today, traces have been recognised of a far older cult, dedicated to Artemis Bendis.
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📅 Every year, on 13 and 14 July, with the illuminations
Maruggio celebrates its protector saints, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Christopher, on 13 and 14 July, with illuminations through the streets of the town.
Straight-line distances from the town centre. Tap a point to open its page.
The closest destinations covered by our editors, with straight-line distance.
Outside Maruggio, but an easy day trip away.
