Marciaso: Building History and Places of Remembrance

Marciaso’s history is reflected in its religious buildings, surviving architectural heritage and places of remembrance from the Second World War. The town also has a connection to the surrounding landscape and an archaeological site nearby. The story thus ranges from individual buildings and their uses to the history of the war and postwar period, as well as a site near Marciaso.

Churches, a tower and historic entrances

The Oratorio dell’Opera was built in 1748 and now serves as the parish church. The new church of Marciaso was built around 1600 and destroyed during the Second World War. The tower stands in the centre of Marciaso as the only surviving evidence of the former manor house; traces of the medieval castle were also destroyed during the Second World War. Three historic entrance arches are still visible after the old entrance was destroyed. The tower and arches point to different parts of the town’s history: the tower represents the former manor house, while the arches mark the old entrance.

Dated features at the Oratorio

A Madonna di Loreto dating from 1622 stands in the square in front of the Oratorio dell’Opera. A Malaspina coat of arms dating from 1627 is also in the same square. The Madonna predates the coat of arms by five years. Both features in the square fall chronologically between the new church, built around 1600, and the Oratorio, built in 1748. This places the square’s features in the timeline of the town’s architectural history.

Chronologically, the buildings and works of art mentioned here span from the new church around 1600, through the Madonna of 1622 and the coat of arms of 1627, to the Oratorio of 1748. The medieval castle belongs to an earlier era; its traces and the new church were lost during the Second World War. The partial reconstruction took place in the postwar period.

Remembrance of war and reconstruction

The Lapide di Marciaso commemorates civilian victims of the Second World War. On 3 August, troops destroyed Marciaso and killed five elderly people who were in the town. After the Second World War, Marciaso was partially rebuilt. Quakers or Mormons from the United States who settled there helped with the work. Commemoration, destruction and reconstruction turn attention to different periods in the town’s history: the wartime years and the period that followed.

Landscape and archaeological context

The Bardine stream flows past Marciaso, connecting the town with its surrounding landscape. Nearby is Pontevecchio, where nine statue stelae were discovered. Thus, a waterway directly beside Marciaso and an archaeological site in the surrounding area represent two different aspects of the town’s history.

Getting there and local cuisine

From Fosdinovo, you can reach Marciaso via the Strada Provinciale 446 in the direction of Carrara; after about four kilometres, turn left. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out. The historic Trattoria Circolo Arci offers menus featuring local culinary traditions. Check whether it is currently open before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Carignano, Borghetto-melara, Tendola, Giucano.

Return to the main travel overview: Fosdinovo.