Marcianise

Marcianise
—  Comune  —
Comune di Marcianise
[[File:Marcianise|250px|none|alt=|]]
Marcianise Location of Marcianise in Italy
Coordinates: 41°2′N 14°18′E / 41.033°N 14.3°E / 41.033; 14.3Coordinates: 41°2′N 14°18′E / 41.033°N 14.3°E / 41.033; 14.3
Country	Italy
Region	Campania
Province	Caserta (CE)
Frazioni	Cantone
Government
- Mayor	Dr. Antonio Tartaglione
Area
- Total	30 km2 (11.6 sq mi)
Population (December 31, 2004)
- Total	43,139
- Density	1,438/km2 (3,724.3/sq mi)
Demonym	Marcianisani
Time zone	CET (UTC+1)
- Summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	81025
Dialing code	0823
Patron saint	St. Michael
Saint day	May 8
Website	Official website

Marcianise is a town and comune in the province of Caserta, Campania, Italy.

History

In the area of the commune of Marcianise numerous tombs of Etruscan and Roman age have been excavated, although Oscan elements should have pre-existed. The origin of the today's city are uncertain. It was allegedly founded in the 6th century CE by bands of Ostrogoths after their defeat in the Gothic War.

In 861 it was probably destroyed by the Saracens along with Capua. After the creation of the Duchy of Capua, Marcianise followed the latter's history.

The area was repeatedly struck by cholera but, according to a legend, the city was miracolously spared by the July 1706 plague through the intercession of the Holy Crucifix. Later the marshy area was dried, and extensive cultivation of cannabis augmented the economy of the region.

Main sights

• The Baroque church of the Annunziata. The interior has Neapolitan school frescoes.
• The Cathedral of St. Michael Archangel houses a miracolous crucifix which saved the city from cholera in the 18th century.
• The Castle of Loriano (15th century) has maintained the towers, the walls and the interior school, while that in Ariola is now a private residence.

Other places of interest

Near Marcianise, there is the mediumwave transmitter for the Napoli area, which works on 657 kHz. It uses as antenna a 205 metres tall guyed mast radiator insulated, against ground, which is the tallest radio tower on the Italian mainland.

Dialect

The dialect of Marcianise, although similar to Neapolitan, shows a long series of peculiar influences ranging from French and English to more ancient Greek and Oscan. Examples of local exclusive words include ching for "tile" (Italian: tegola) and cstunia for "turtle" (Italian: tartaruga).

Economy

Marcianise is home to several craftmanship firms working gold and coral, as well as numerous chemical, manufacture and chemical industries of national relevance. Together with the territories of Maddaloni, Acerra, Caivano and Teverola, the commune forms the second most industrialized area of Italy. Dairy and wine production is also flourishing.

Transportation