Marciana Marina

THE SMALL MARSEILLE

Marciana Marina municipal territory extends over just five square kilometers, overlooking a clear blue sea. Nestled into the cliff, at the foot of Monte Capanne, the country offers one of the most fascinating landscapes of the island.

Of ancient origins, the village was founded as a landing point for Marciana and Poggio, perched villages on the mountain. For centuries the whole island was the subject of frequent pirate raids, to stem the destruction the gentlemen of the Elbe began constructing strongholds; the raids ceased and began a slow coastal population. Initially the town was divided into two parts: that of Cotton (probably from the Latin Cos, Cotis = Cliff) fishing village perched on the rocks overlooking the sea and the Tower, where is the Torre degli Appiani outpost of watchtower.

Because of its importance as a port and trade, during the 18th century was renamed "little Marseille".

 

Traditions and Typical products

The country despite having a vocation for agriculture and fisheries, today lives largely on tourism. For a long time the country and generally the whole island produced in its traps and exported in large quantities salted tuna and bottarga. In 1958, a strong current damaged the tonnara carrying, shortly thereafter, at the end of tuna fishing.

As usual, on 12 August the celebrations take place in honor of the patron saint of Marciana Marina, Santa Chiara of Assisi. The event always attracts many curious tourists to the impressive pyromusical show.