Pagani | |
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Comune | |
Comune di Pagani | |
![]() Panoramic view
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Location of Pagani in Italy | |
Coordinates: 40°44′N 14°37′E / 40.733°N 14.617°ECoordinates: 40°44′N 14°37′E / 40.733°N 14.617°E | |
Country | Italy |
Region | Campania |
Province / Metropolitan city | Salerno (SA) |
Government | |
• Mayor | Alberico Gambino (since May 27, 2002) |
Area | |
• Total | 12 km2 (5 sq mi) |
Elevation | 35 m (115 ft) |
Population (2004) | |
• Total | 34,775 |
• Density | 2,900/km2 (7,500/sq mi) |
Demonym(s) | Paganese (Paganesi) |
Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
• Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Postal code | 84016 |
Dialing code | 081 |
Patron saint | St. Alphonse |
Saint day | August 1 |
Website | Official website |
Pagani is a town and comune in Campania, Italy, administratively part of the Province of Salerno. It had 34,775 inhabitants, as of December 31, 2004.
In the period before the Roman supremacy in southern Italy, Taurania appears to have been the chief town in the valley of the Sarnus, Herculaneum, Pompeii, Stabiae and Surrentum all being dependent upon it. It maintained its allegiance to Rome till 309 BC when it joined the revolted Samnites. In 308 BC it repulsed a Roman attempt to land at the mouth of the Sarnus, but in 307 BC it was besieged and surrendered. Under Romans it was named Barbatianus. It obtained favourable terms, and remained faithful to Rome even after Cannae.
Hannibal reduced it in 216 BC by starvation, and destroyed the town. The inhabitants returned when peace was restored. Even during the Social War it remained true to Rome. In 73 BC it was plundered by Spartacus.
It was united to Nocera Inferiore, and it took the name of Nuceria Paganorum, by the Pagans, a noble family living in the castle of Curtis in Plano, in Pagani.
The town hosts an annual feast, known as "Madonna delle Galline". During this week, people dance in the streets to folk songs called "Tammurriate". The town is home to the football team, S.S. Paganese.