History of Marradi in Mugello near Florence
The territory of Marradi was inhabited, beginning in ancient times, by settlements of Ligurians and Etruscans, and was conquered by the Gauls of France, who occupied most of Northern Italy.
Following the defeat of the barbaric populations by the Romans, a fortified site, which connected Faenza to Florence was founded where Marradi now stands. The site was a defence and resting place for travellers and was called “Castello” (the castle), around which there were many farms, one of these on the right bank of the Lamone river was called “Marrato” which means “zappato” (dug or hoed). Hence the derivation of the name Marradi.
The territory passed under the dominion of the Church State. In feudal times the Abbey of Santa Reparata (Badia del Borgo), Santa Maria di Crespino and the Hermitage of S. Barnaba di Gamogna were founded. For about two centuries, Marradi belonged to the Ghibelline Count Guidi, but in 1258, following the death of Federico II, their power diminished and the abbot of Santa Reparata put Marradi under the protection of the Florentine Guelfs. Later, when the Guelfs were defeated in Montaperti, the Guidi returned as masters of Marradi.
In 1312, Marradi came under the rule of the Manfredi of Faenza, and remained until 1384, when Giovanni Manfredi put all of his properties under the protection of Florence. The domination of the Medici began, and the Fabbroni family favoured them by building beautiful palaces, which can still be admired today.
In time, a period of silence and isolation took over Marradi. Things got better under the rule of the Lorena, who became archdukes of Tuscany. Thanks to Pietro Leopoldo, the antique Church of San Lorenzo (1785) was restored, the “Accademia degli Animosi” (Academy of the Brave) was founded, in 1792, the Omonimus Theatre was built and construction was begun on the Hospital. The territory became one of the most important centres with the construction of the Ravenna-Florence railway.
Marradi is home to many famous and illustrious people such as: Rocco Guerrini (engineer and designer of the Spandau fortress in Germany), Anacleto Francini also known as “Bel Ami” (good friend)(librettist of the opera and author of the song “Creola”), Silvano and Serafino Razzi (authors of religious, historical and philosophical operas) and Dino Campana, considered one of the most important poets of the 1900’s.
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