Maggia, Switzerland

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Coordinates: 46°14′N, 8°42′E

Maggia
Country Switzerland Coat of Arms of Maggia
Canton Ticino
District Vallemaggia
46°14′N, 8°42′E
Population 2,358  (December 2004)
  - Density 21 /km² (55 /sq.mi.)
Area 111.32 km² (43 sq mi)
Elevation 372 m (1,220 ft)
Postal code 6671,6673,6674
SFOS number 5317
Localities Maggia, Moghegno, Aurigeno, Giumaglio, Someo, Lodano
Surrounded by Avegno, Brione (Verzasca), Campo (Vallemaggia), Cavigliano, Cevio, Gordevio, Gresso, Isorno, Lavizzara, Onsernone, Vergeletto, Verscio
Website www.maggia.ch
Maggia (Switzerland)
Maggia
Maggia

Maggia is a municipality in the district of Vallemaggia in the canton of Ticino in Switzerland.

It was first recorded in 1270 as Madiis. This history contradicts a persistent legend about the history of the town's name. "Maggio", meaning "May" in Italian, was thought to be the source of Maggia's name as legend dictated that in this month settlers first arrived at the site.

Population fluctuated slightly prior to the 20th century. The municipality had 420 inhabitants in 1591, 530 in 1709, 414 in 1801, 641 in 1850, 471 in 1870 and 340 in 1900. Since 1950 the population has been increasing, with 450 recorded inhabitants in 1950, 712 in 1990, and 850 in 2000.

Maggia's municiple borders were created in 2004 when the previous municipalities of Maggia, Moghegno, Aurigeno, Giumaglio, Someo, and Lodano were united. The municipality contains roughly 2,400 inhabitants and its official language is Italian.

Maggia also boasts of its successful football club AC Vallemaggia, which play in the Seconda Lega Regionale of FTC, the fifth-highest level in Switzerland. Recently the club spent a season in a superior category and reach the final of the Ticino Cup. The Club was a merger of AC Maggia and lower division teams AC Centrovalle and FC Avegno. Notable players of the Club were Andrea Rotanzi and Remy Frigomosca.

In 2005 a team representing Maggia took part of Jeux Sans Frontiérs, a European game show. The team placed third, the second highest performance for a Swiss Team in Jeux Sans Frontiérs history.

Maggia central tourist draws include: beaches on the banks of the Maggia River; Vallemaggia's largest carnival celebration; the 16th century Santa Maria Maggiore church; the Centoscalini church; its COOP grocery store; and, of course, its beloved AC Vallemaggia football club.

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