Castelpetroso
Castelpetroso: a medieval village full of history and tradition
Located in the heart of the Molise region, Castelpetroso is a charming medieval village with approximately 1527 inhabitants, overlooking the Volturno Valley. Known for its alleged Marian apparitions of 1888, Castelpetroso is a place of magnificent monuments and places of interest, including the Basilica sanctuary of Maria Santissima Addolorata, the Church of San Martino Vescovo, the Chapel of Maddalena, the Church of Madonna della Libera, and the Church of San Giuseppe, just to name a few.
The history of Castelpetroso
Its history dates back to the eleventh century with the Norman conquest of southern Italy. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the old castle except for parts of the masonry around the medieval village. In the thirteenth century, it was included in the "Catalogus Baronum", a very ancient cadastral register.
The parish church of San Martino, located in the center of the village, dates back to the second half of the thirteenth century. This was influenced by the Baroque style in the seventeenth century. Today, it is one of the most famous historical monuments in the area.
Marian apparitions of 1888
Castelpetroso is best known for the alleged apparitions of Maria Santissima Addolorata that occurred in 1888 in a locality called "Cesa tra Santi". Following that first appearance, others followed, and today the place of the Marian phenomena is recognized as a sanctuary dedicated to the patroness of Molise.
The Virgin Mary appeared for the first time on March 22, 1888, to two shepherdesses named Serafina and Bibiana on the slopes of Mount Patalecchia. Subsequently, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Addolorata was built, a neo-Gothic building consisting of seven chapels depicting the seven sorrows of the Madonna. Construction began with the laying of the foundation stone on September 28, 1890, and it was completed in 1975. The structure can be seen from above and is characterized by the presence of a 54-meter high dome. In addition, the sanctuary and the place of the apparitions are connected by the "Via Matris", a 750-meter path that recalls the seven Marian sorrows.
Monuments and places of interest
In addition to the Basilica sanctuary of Maria Santissima Addolorata, Castelpetroso offers many other places of cultural and historical interest.
The Church of San Martino Vescovo, as mentioned, dates back to the second half of the thirteenth century and was influenced by the Baroque style in the seventeenth century. Inside the church, there are several noteworthy works, including a mosaic depicting San Martino, a canvas probably from the seventeenth century, and some paintings by the Molisian Master Amedeo Trivisonno. The structure has a rectangular single-nave baroque plan and a turreted bell tower.
The Chapel of Maddalena, located at 810 meters above sea level, is characterized by walls with exposed stones. Inside is a precious canvas, late eighteenth-early nineteenth century, by the Molisian painter Raffaele Gioia.
The Church of Madonna della Libera in the Indiprete hamlet dates back to the late eighteenth-early nineteenth century. It is said that the church originated from a miraculous event related to a painting that depicts the Madonna della Libera. The structure has three naves, and inside, the original painting of Madonna della Libera (late seventeenth-early eighteenth century canvas) is preserved. The dome is frescoed by works of the master Amedeo Trivisonno (1929), and there are several mid-nineteenth-century wooden statues of good value.
Other churches in Castelpetroso include the Church of San Giuseppe, the Church of San Rocco, and the Chapel of Santa Barbara.
Life in Castelpetroso
Most of the inhabitants of Castelpetroso live in the five fractions: Indiprete, Guasto, Pastena, Camere, and Casale. The population is committed to preserving traditional activities, including wheat cultivation, beekeeping, production of typical cheeses and cured meats, and preparation of typical dishes such as the famous "fusilli molisani".
Furthermore, the village participates in numerous cultural events promoted by local authorities throughout the year. Among these are the "Festa delle Farfalle", "Il raduno dei carrozzieri" and the "Sagra del Fusillo", which attracts visitors from all over Italy and even abroad.
In conclusion, Castelpetroso is a hidden gem that must be seen because, although small, it offers many opportunities to deepen knowledge of the culture, history, and traditions of Molise.
