MARRADI - CODE: TEDMRRD

In the heart of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines, with its feet in the clear Lamone River, Marradi, with its wealth of traditions, art, culture and work, opens up to visitors with the kindness and warmth typical of its people. It is located at the nexus of Florence, Ravenna and the Romagna Riviera, easily reachable by car or train, making Marradi an ideal place for those wanting to combine historical, cultural and nature-based tourism.

 

The history:

In olden times, Marradi was quite an important axis because the Roman road coming from Florence and touching on Borgo San Lorenzo led on to Faenza. In the Middle Ages, Marradi belonged to the Diocese of Faenza, so it was under the control of the Romagna city and the Guidi Counts, who kept it under their control almost constantly until the 14th century. Starting in the 15th century, Florence cast its eyes on Marradi: the Signoria turned the town into an active clearing house, even authorising, beginning in 1447, a weekly market. The most famous family in Marradi--to whom the castle is attributed--were the Fabbroni, who came from Pistoia in the Middle Ages and bought important lands, building several palaces in the town and founding religious buildings. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Fabbroni, together with other families like the Torriani, the Cattani, the Pescetti, saw to a notable development to the town, building the local Banca dei Depositi e Sconti, various industries (spinning and milling), and establishing an Academy, that of the Animosi, whence the lively Circolo dei Signori. Marradi was the third town in Italy to have electric lighting (late 19th century). Moreover, Marradi was the birthplace of the Poet Dino Campana: a study centre and an important poetry prize were created in his name, both still quite active.

 

 

Must-sees:

Dino Campana's birthplace; the Badia del Borgo or the Parish Church of San Lorenzo, restored in 1785 in Neo-Classical form, and inside of which are three panels from a 16th century polyptych with San Lorenzo, the Madonna and Child and St. John the Evangelist; or for lovers of late 18th century architecture, you can visit the Municipal Palace, or the lovely Teatro degli Animosi, just a few of the buildings of historical interest in Marradi.

 

 

Don’t miss:

In October, for four weekends in a row, the town come to life to celebrate the famous and delicious chestnuts that are a local speciality: a gourmand's chance to visit the town and enjoy the landscape from the steam train cars, which for the occasion connect Marradi to Florence, Bologna and Rimini.

 

 

Get on the Dante's Train and come to Marradi:

 

This is the nickname of the "Faentina", the railway track that links Florence and Faenza, running through the heart of the Tuscany-Romagna Apennines. A special train that runs through the special landscapes described by the poet in his long wanderings as an exile. Come see towns rich with culture and tradition. A trip through time to discover a land unique in the world.