Cerasuolo
Cerasuolo: A Village Immersed in the Nature of Molise
Cerasuolo is a picturesque mountain village in the municipality of Filignano, in the province of Isernia in Molise. The village is located at an altitude of 678 meters on a plateau nestled between mountains and is surrounded by the nature of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise. In this brief text, we will explore the history of Cerasuolo through three main phases: the Middle Ages, the Modern Age, and the Contemporary Age.
History
Middle Ages
The history of Cerasuolo began in 962 when the abbot of the San Vincenzo abbey donated the land of Cerasuolo Vecchio to be cultivated. In 1064, half of the castle was donated by the then Count of Venafro to the Montecassino abbey. In the twelfth century, Cerasuolo belonged to Raynaldo di Sesto, the bishop of Isernia, and his relatives.
Modern Age
In the modern age, the possessions of Cerasuolo passed to the Marotta family. In 1788, the last Duke of Cerasuolo, Pasquale Maria Marotta, left the Cerasuolo fiefdom to the inhabitants of the village. However, to obtain the land, the inhabitants had to build a church in honor of Pasquale Baylón. Construction began after the duke's death in 1884 and ended about thirty years later. The testamentary act provided that the common lands of the fiefdom be used collectively by the inhabitants, while the lands cultivated by tenants were devolved to families.
Contemporary Age
In 1882, Cerasuolo was detached from the municipality of Rocchetta and aggregated into the municipality of Filignano. In the territory of Cerasuolo, there has been a separate Administration of fractional assets of civic use for over 170 years, now called the Collective Domain of Cerasuolo.
The Village of Cerasuolo
Cerasuolo is a small village within the walls of the castle that encloses its alleys and typical stone houses. The village is characterized by a church in honor of San Felice, the patron saint of the village. Recently, the Municipality of Filignano has restored the Church and created a small museum inside exhibiting various works including paintings, statues, liturgical objects, and ancient tapestries.
Discovering the Territory
The beauty of the surrounding landscape of Cerasuolo invites for a walk in the mountains, in search of trails that lead to breathtaking panoramic spots of endless beauty. The park area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts, with many options to choose from, from mountain trekking to less challenging walks. The panoramic passage of the "Sentiero Italia," from the Meta mountains to Lazio, crosses the territory of Cerasuolo.
Local Products
The production of cheeses, cold cuts, oil, and wine are among the most important economic activities of the territory. In particular, the cheeses of Cerasuolo, such as the famous "Caciocavallo" and "Pecorino," are of the highest quality and much appreciated. The zootecnic cooperative of Cerasuolo still represents today the heart of the production of cheese and fresh milk.
Events
Cerasuolo offers a series of events throughout the year such as the feast of San Felice, which is celebrated every year on August 10, with a spectacular fireworks display. Other events include the "Sagra del Formaggio" in September, where you can taste the best dairy products of the territory.
In conclusion, Cerasuolo represents an oasis of peace and nature in the heart of Molise, where history and tradition come together with the beauty of the landscape. Exploring the surrounding territory, tasting local products, and participating in events are just some of the activities that can be done in this village nestled among the mountains.
