Bagnoli del Trigno
Welcome to Bagnoli del Trigno: A Story of Legends and Property Transfers
Welcome to Bagnoli del Trigno, an Italian municipality with 644 inhabitants located in the province of Isernia, in Molise. The origins of the town are shrouded in mystery and surrounded by various legends, according to which Bagnoli del Trigno was founded by a Duke who drank from the waters of the Trigno River, by some tribes seeking refuge from barbarian invasions, or by the construction of urban settlements around a thermal spring called "Balneoli", from which it takes its name.
The first historical records date back to the Middle Ages, when the fiefdom was part of the County of Molise. Subsequently, after a series of property transfers also between French and Spanish lords, it became part of the Kingdom of Naples and then of the Kingdom of Italy. In the twentieth century, Bagnoli del Trigno experienced a strong depopulation due to emigration, especially of many residents who moved to Rome working as taxi drivers. A study conducted by the association "Forche Caudine" in 2013 revealed that there are more people from Bagnoli del Trigno living in Rome (about a thousand) than living in the town.
Discovering the Symbols of Bagnoli del Trigno
The coat of arms of the municipality of Bagnoli del Trigno was granted by decree of the President of the Republic on February 27, 2009. The gonfalon is a cloth divided into white and green.
Places of Interest to Visit in Bagnoli del Trigno
Bagnoli del Trigno has a vertical rock urban layout on the slopes of Monte Mainarde. The city is characterized by the presence of two churches, both of which are visitable.
The church of San Silvestro is located on the rocky spur overlooking the town. Built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, it was rebuilt inside after the earthquakes of the eighteenth century. The church is famous for being wedged between two parts of the rocky mountain, leaving only the side walls, the main Gothic-style access portal on the side wall, and the bell tower visible. The onion-shaped covering of the tower's dome, in colored majolica, is of great interest. The interior has three aisles, on the back wall there is the choir with the organ, on the right wall there is a wooden Crucifix with movable arms, also used for the procession of Good Friday, while near the secondary entrance there is a commemorative plaque of the restoration wanted by the Bishop of Trivento Mons. Alfonso Mariconda.
The parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, located in the lower part of the town, is the largest church in Bagnoli del Trigno. The church dates back to the eighteenth century, as attested by the epigraph above the triumphal arch of the main altar, dated 1726. Restored several times, the building remained closed since 2009 due to damage caused by the earthquake in L'Aquila in 2009, and reopened only on March 25, 2018. The facade of the church remained incomplete, characterized by wavy lateral joints that terminate at the ends of the half-marking cornice.
Conclusions
Bagnoli del Trigno is a municipality with a very fascinating history and an interesting architectural heritage. In addition to the churches, it is possible to stroll through the historic center and visit the numerous artisan shops, savor local typical products, or take a trip to the surrounding territory discovering the natural and landscape beauties of the area. If you are looking for a quiet and authentic destination in the Molise region, Bagnoli del Trigno is definitely recommended.
