Marano Principato is a town and comune (municipality) in the province of Cosenza, in the Calabria region of southern Italy.
Geography
Marano Principato is situated approximately 10 kilometers west of Cosenza, on a ridge of the Catena Costiera mountain range overlooking the Crati Valley. The town hall is located at an elevation of about 496 meters (1,570 feet) above sea level. The municipality covers an area of approximately 6.32 km² (2.44 sq mi). Its coordinates are 39°18′N 16°11′E.
History
The origin of Marano Principato is closely tied to the devastating earthquake of 27 March 1638 (Palm Sunday), which severely damaged the nearby towns of Castelfranco (modern-day Castrolibero) and Rende. Survivors from these centers relocated to rural settlements in an area then known generically as "Marano," likely named after a feudal family that once held the territory.
In the latter half of the 17th century, a jurisdictional dispute arose between the Prince Sersale of Castelfranco and the Marquess Alarcón y Mendoza of Rende over fiscal and administrative rights to the Marano lands. The conflict was resolved by royal authority around 1684, resulting in the division of the territory into two feudal jurisdictions: one assigned to the Prince of Castelfranco (giving rise to Marano Principato) and the other to the Marquess of Rende (giving rise to Marano Marchesato). Despite this feudal split, the three settlements continued to function as a single administrative entity (universitas) until 1732. Marano Principato finally separated from Castelfranco in 1800 and became an independent municipality.
Demographics
As of recent data, Marano Principato has a population of approximately 3,000–3,200 inhabitants. The demonym for residents is principatesi. The population has grown significantly from about 1,130 in 1971 to over 3,000 today.
Main sights
- Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata (Church of the Most Holy Annunciation) – The main church, dedicated to the town's patron saint (the Annunciation of Mary, feast day 8 September). It features a three-portal facade with local tufa rose windows and contains numerous paintings by Raffaele Rinaldi da San Fili from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as a polychrome marble high altar and a wooden organ from 1903.
- Cappella di Sant'Antonio (Chapel of St. Anthony) – A smaller church housing a wooden statue from 1899 and a painting of St. Anthony.
- Palazzo Savaglio – A historic noble palace belonging to one of the town's oldest families.
- Parco degli Elfi – An adventure park located near the town center, featuring tree-top courses, zip lines, paintball, and glamping.
Administration
The current mayor (as of October 2021) is Giuseppe Salerno, leading the civic list "Insieme." The municipal seat is located at Via Annunziata, 137.
Infrastructure
The town is crossed by Provincial Road 86 (SP 86), which connects it to Castrolibero and Cosenza. The nearest major airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport, approximately one hour away by car.
Frazioni (hamlets)
The municipality includes the hamlets of Bisciglietto, Canali, Pantusa, and Savagli.
Neighboring municipalities
Marano Principato borders the municipalities of Castrolibero, Cerisano, Marano Marchesato, and San Vincenzo la Costa.
