Fornelli
Fornelli: a town on the hills of Molise
Fornelli is a municipality in the province of Isernia, located on a hill whose territory is crossed by the Vandra stream, a tributary of the Volturno river. The municipality has a population of around 1000 inhabitants and is known for the abundance of clay present in the ground, which gave rise to the name of the town. Fornelli is located at the foot of Mount Cervaro, which exceeds 1000 meters in altitude, and to the north of the municipal territory is Mount La Ciucchetta which reaches an altitude of 1020 meters. The place is crossed by one of the paths that lead to the Hermitage of San Domenico di Villalago, a place of pilgrimage for the faithful.
The history of Fornelli
Fornelli has ancient origins, proven by a judgment dating back to 981 AD. The town is thought to have been built in the 9th century as a dependency of the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno, but the reason for the change in its location and, consequently, its name, is unknown. During its history, Fornelli had many feudal lords, including the Pandone family from 1433 to 1525. In 1656, the town suffered from the plague and, over the centuries, suffered damage due to numerous earthquakes.
In June 1814, the citizens of Fornelli bought the clock of the bell tower to sound the hours and quarters, which was then replaced by a computerized clock in the 2000s. In 1832, the Laurelli family bought the feud from Carmignano and became one of the most important families in the town. Annunziata Lombardi, mother of Italian-American politician Nancy Pelosi, was born in Fornelli in 1909.
Life in Fornelli
Today, Fornelli is a quiet rural town that has maintained its traditions and identity. The town is famous for locally produced extra virgin olive oil and has obtained the recognition of National Association of Oil Cities. The inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture, with the cultivation of olives, vegetables, and cereals. The town has a small church dedicated to San Domenico di Sora, whose cult was brought to Fornelli by the original populations of the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva.
Events and activities
Fornelli has many events throughout the year, including the patron saint festival of San Domenico, which takes place in August and includes a procession with the saint's statue through the town. During the summer, there are also numerous village festivals, such as those for pizza and polenta, where residents and visitors can taste local dishes. The town is also an excellent starting point for excursions on the surrounding hills, which offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to practice outdoor sports like trekking.
Conclusion
Fornelli is a magical place where nature and history blend to create a unique experience. Its location on the hills of Molise makes it perfect for relaxing and disconnecting from the stress of daily life. The town's inhabitants are welcoming, and traditions are still very much alive. If you are looking for a place to relax and discover a lesser-known part of Italy, Fornelli could be the right choice for you.
