Physician and philosopher, Girolamo Marciano was born on November 28, 1571 in this house of Leverano.
Along Via Marciano – formerly ‘Via Rugge’ – a street of the ancient Leveranese downtown, stands the birthplace of Girolamo Marciano. Modest yet admirable Renaissance building, it is easily recognizable, by its two external doors, ground and first-floor windows, and a small balcony with a balustrade supported by corbels. Those lucky enough to step inside the house have encountered a powerful reminder of Marciano’s legacy: inscribed on the chimney mantle are the words,
“MAGNUS EX UNA SAEPE SCINTILLA ACCENDITUR IGNIS”
“A great fire is often kindled by a single spark.”
This sentence perfectly demonstrates Marciano’s devotion to knowledge and the quiet passion with which he pursued his studies.
On the outside, a commemorative plaque, bearing a tribute to his legacy, honors the physician, philosopher, and writer who so passionately chronicled the glories of the Province of Otranto.
The commemorative plaque
The house (outside view)
- Photos by Silvia Maria Martina (February 2025)
- Locate the item on this [ Google Map]
Bibliography
– Michele Paone (a cura di), Tempi, uomini e cose di Leverano. Editrice Salentina Tip., Galatina, 1985.
For a virtual tour inside Girolamo Marciano’s birthplace, visit this site (in Italian): http://www.leveranosiracconta.it/i-monumenti/casa-girolamo-marciano/