Nepi 

‘The town of Nepi is 25 miles north of Rome and can be seen across the deserted Campagna. It was almost empty. The few people Mr Loudon passed were pitiful, ragged and with the complexion of corpses.’ € This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

More about Nepi

Tourists were attracted to Nepi by its Etruscan walls and Roman amphitheatre. It had a medieval character with narrow streets and a cathedral. Views over the countryside extend to Rome. Malaria was widespread throughout Italy, particularly in marshy and low-lying areas, until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nepi's location near Lake Vico and in a valley created ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos, the primary carriers of malaria parasites. Malaria outbreaks typically occurred during warmer months when mosquito populations flourished.

The Impact of Malaria: A Health Challenge for Nepi's Residents

Nepi's proximity to Lake Vico and its location in a valley created ideal conditions for mosquito breeding, contributing to the prevalence of malaria in the region. This health challenge significantly impacted the lives of Nepi's residents, particularly during warmer months. The disease's debilitating effects and the risk of death limited economic activity and hindered the town's development. Efforts to combat malaria, including drainage projects and the use of antimalarial drugs, were crucial in improving public health and revitalizing the town. Today, while malaria has been largely eradicated in Italy, Nepi's history serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by past populations in dealing with such health threats.