Guglionesi
Welcome to Guglionesi, the Largest Municipality in Molise!
Hello and welcome to Guglionesi, a municipality in the province of Campobasso with a population of around 4,891 inhabitants and an area of just over 100 square kilometers, making it the largest in the region! In this article, we will guide you through the history and places of interest of this fascinating municipality.
Origins of the Name
Guglionesi, or Guj'nìsce in Molise dialect, has been named in various ways over the centuries. According to some scholars, the name comes from the "guglia" plant that grew on the banks of the Biferno river. Others believe that the name derives from "colle-nisyus" (Colle di Nisio), which alludes to the Roman god of wine, Bacchus. In the past, the municipality was known as Colle Dionisio, Guilloniaco or Collonisi.
History
Guglionesi was founded by the Frentani, an Italic population related to the Samnites, in 435 BC. In the pre-Roman era, the city of Usconium was located in the agro of Guglionesi and had an important role that continued in the Roman period.
In 1060, the Norman count Godfrey conquered the county of Termoli, of which the castle of Colle Dionisio was one of the most important military garrisons. In the Middle Ages, Guglionesi was an important social, economic and artistic point of reference in the territory, and was frequently chosen as a residence by the bishops of the Diocese of Termoli-Larino, as the nearby Adriatic city was constantly subjected to Turkish attacks.
The historic area enclosed within the medieval village has a triangular layout developed along the three main axes: via Galterio, corso Conte di Torino/via Roma and via Guiscardo. Over the centuries, Guglionesi had several names, including Colle Dionisio, Guilloniaco or Collonisi, all of which reveal its historical importance.
Symbols
The coat of arms of Guglionesi depicts three hills, with three Carex plants standing out on the central one, a species particularly widespread in the municipality's territory. The banner is a white cloth.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Guglionesi is renowned for its numerous religious architectures, which testify to the city's power and importance over the centuries.
Religious Architecture
The collegiate parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore, an ancient church from the 10th century, is known for its imposing structure. Reconstructed in the 12th century and completed in 1796 with a baroque layout, it still preserves the medieval crypt. The lunette of the portal dates back to the 12th century. Valuable sixteenth-century works, such as the Triptych of Santa Maria Maggiore by Michele Greco, can be found inside the church.
The crypt and the succorpo of Sant'Adamo abate make up the medieval crypt of the Collegiate, while the church of Sant'Antonio da Padova dates back to the 14th century and was restored in the 16th and 17th centuries in Baroque style. To this day, the exterior of the church appears as late Apulian Romanesque, with sides punctuated by Gothic monophores and a facade divided into three parts by cusps on the top and pilasters, with a rose window covered by a monumental Baroque window.
Conclusion
Guglionesi is a municipality rich in history and culture, testifying to an era in which the municipality was an important point of reference in Molise. If you want to visit a place that still preserves the charm of the past, you cannot miss visiting Guglionesi!
