Mesagne

Mesagne (Mesagnese: Misciàgni) is a comune in the province of Brindisi and region of Apulia, on the south-east Italy coast. Its main economic activities are tourism and the growing of olives and grapes. It is the fifth most-populous town of the province, and it is 15 kilometres (9 mi) from Brindisi.

Mesagne
Comune
Città di Mesagne
View of Mesagne
Coat of arms
Location of Mesagne
Mesagne
Location of Mesagne in Italy
Mesagne
Mesagne (Apulia)
Coordinates: 40°34′N 17°48′E
CountryItaly
RegionApulia
ProvinceBrindisi (BR)
Government
 • MayorPompeo Molfetta
Area
 • Total124.05 km2 (47.90 sq mi)
Elevation
72 m (236 ft)
Population
 (31 October 2017)[2]
 • Total26,845
 • Density220/km2 (560/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Mesagnesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
72023
Dialing code0831
Patron saintMadonna del Carmine
Saint day16 July
WebsiteOfficial website

History

Mesagne was an important center when Apulia was dominated by the Messapi, because it joined Oria to the port of Brindisi. After the Roman conquest, it was also an important city located on the Appian way. Its name is from these times. In the Middle Age it was called Castrum Medianum, then Castro Misciano, this is the name used from the 16th century. When Giovanni Antonio Orsini Del Balzo decided to expend the city's castle, Mesagne evolved, with the construction of a theater, a hospital and the paving of roads. The city remains important in the economy of the province to this day, with much industry in the area.

Main sights
  • The castle, existing from the 11th century; in 1195 it was given to the Teutonic Knights. Today it houses an archaeological museum
  • Messapic necropolises
  • 15th century walls
  • Palaeo-Christian church (tempietto) of St. Lawrence (7th century)
  • Basilica del Carmine (14th century)
  • Mater Domini church (1598–1605)

Local culture

Events
  • Natale Nel Cuore (Christmas in Heart): exposition of little statuettes representing the most important characters of Christmas
  • Cavalcata dei Magi (Cavalcade of the Magi): Historical.

Sagre
  • Sagra ti la fucazza chena: Festival of the stuffed cakes
  • Sagra ti li stacchioddi: Festival of Orecchiette
  • Sagra ti li peschi: Festival of peaches

Sport

In Mesagne, the most popular sport practised is football. The local team is named A.S.D. Mesagne 1929. The team plays in the Promozione championship.

Basketball has two male teams: Mens Sana Mesagne and Virtus Mesagne, which play in the C2 championship. Also the female team, Meyana Mesagne, plays in A2 championship.

The city's female volleyball team, Volley Mesagne, plays in the C championship.

Carlo Molfetta was taekwondo gold medal in the 80+ kg category at the 2012 Summer Olympics of London.

See also

References
  1. "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. Population from ISTAT

Media related to Mesagne at Wikimedia Commons



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