Montemitro
Welcome to Montemitro, a Croatian-Molisan Commune in Italy
Welcome to Montemitro, a commune with an ancient history located in the province of Campobasso in Molise. In this text, we will talk about the history of Montemitro, its symbols, and the monuments and places of interest that you can visit.
History
Montemitro, also known as ''Mundimitar'' in Molisan Croatian dialect, is part of the Croatian colonies founded by Dalmatian refugees who repopulated some centers of Molise in the XV century. However, the existence of Montemitro dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by the ''Chronica Monasterii Casinensis'' of the Benedictines of 1024.
The population of Montemitro still speaks the ancient Dalmatian dialect called 'na-našo', which testifies to the Croatian roots of the settlement. It is believed that the ancient settlers came from the coastal area or the immediate hinterland between the Cetina and Narenta rivers. Their first settlement in the territory of Montemitro was in the locality of Selo, about 3 km from the current inhabited center.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the Municipality of Montemitro is divided: in the first half, there is a red field with a golden tower surmounted by a star; in the second half, there is the image of Saint Lucy. The banner, instead, is a blue banner.
Monuments and Places of Interest
If you visit Montemitro, you cannot miss the Parish Church of Saint Lucy located in the center of the town. Built in the XVIII century with donations from the local population, the church has a beautiful Gothic side portal from the mid-thirteenth century. The interior is a single nave decorated with neoclassical-style stuccoes, which houses the statue of Saint Lucy, the Immaculate Conception, and a canvas by the Neapolitan school of Vaccaro.
Another place of interest is the Chapel of Saint Lucy Virgin and Martyr, located in the south about 3 km from the town. Immersed in a forest, the chapel is worth a visit for its enchanting character and peaceful atmosphere.
We conclude our tour of Montemitro, rich in history and artistic treasures, and invite everyone who has never visited it to do so. You will be able to immerse yourself in the Croatian-Molisan tradition and discover the wonders of this small town.
