Montenero di Bisaccia
Welcome to Montenero di Bisaccia!
If you are looking for a hilly place near the sea, with a temperate climate and ancient history, Montenero di Bisaccia is the right place for you. Located in the province of Campobasso, in Molise, this municipality has a population of about 6,184 inhabitants.
Physical geography
Montenero di Bisaccia is located a few kilometers from the Molise coast and the Trigno River. It extends in altitude from the 273 meters of the inhabited center to the sea level of the beach. The climate is mild in winter, with few snowfalls, and hot and dry in summer.
History
Neolithic origins
Montenero di Bisaccia has ancient origins, dating back to the village of Bisaccia, from which it has preserved the name, and whose ruins are partly still visible in the surroundings. The village was abandoned during the barbarian invasions, when the inhabitants took refuge first in the sandstone caves, and then began to settle on the small hill called "black mountain" for the dense vegetation that covered it.
From the Middle Ages to today
The new fiefdom belonged in the 7th century to the Abbey of Maria (mother of Jesus) in Calano, being subsequently destroyed by the Saracen invasions, until 851. In 1187 the fiefdom belonged to Riccardo di Agnone, and was rebuilt under the dominion of Frederick II of Swabia. Among the various owners who succeeded from the 16th century onwards are the Cantelmo, Sangro, Carafa, Caracciolo, and d'Avalos. Between the 16th and 18th centuries it was several times damaged by the incursions of the Turks, the last of which occurred on September 26, 1712. Since 1861 it has been part of the province of Campobasso, and in the 1990s, the economy of seaside tourism developed.
Symbols
The coat of arms of the municipality depicts three hills, the central one topped by a cross. The banner consists of a blue flag.
Monuments and places of interest
If you visit Montenero di Bisaccia, do not miss the opportunity to admire the Parish Church of St. Matthew the Apostle. The original church dates back to the 11th century but has been renovated over the centuries, also due to the damage caused by Turkish incursions. In the 17th century, the church was transformed in Baroque style, while in the 19th century it was completely rebuilt. Unfortunately, the reconstruction has eliminated much of the original elements of the church, including the fourteenth-century portal and the green-yellow mosaic dome typical of medieval Puglian churches. The new church, built following the scheme of the Latin cross plan, is presented in a fake Neo-Gothic style.
We also point out that Montenero di Bisaccia is rich in natural resources, such as the Putrella Caves, a real little-known speleological treasure, the Trigno River Park and the Molise coast with its sandy beaches.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Montenero di Bisaccia is a charming municipality, rich in history, culture and natural beauty. The perfect place for those looking for a quiet and relaxing holiday between the hills and the Mediterranean sea, or for those who want to discover a little-known but capable of offering great surprises portion of Italy. Do not miss the opportunity to visit Montenero di Bisaccia!
