Oratino
Introduction
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about Oratino, a beautiful Italian village located in Molise, in the province of Campobasso. The village has about 1600 inhabitants and is characterized by a long history that dates back to prehistory.
History
The name "Oratino" comes from "Loretinum", a vulgar Latin name meaning "modest plantation of Laurus nobilis". Over the centuries, the village has undergone many transformations, passing from one feudatory and noble family to another.
The feudo of Oratino was not characterized by the constant presence of a single family, as happened in other Italian villages. In the twelfth century, for example, a watchtower was built by the Normans and subsequently fought various wars among the feudal lords of the time.
Under the dominion of Charles I of Anjou, the feud passed to Eustachio d'Ardicourt and then to his son Adam. However, the d'Ardicourt were then violently deprived of possession of Oratino, due to their absence during the feudal revision of 1279.
During the reign of Charles II of Anjou, Oratino was ruled by Giovanni di Lando, then by Pietro di Sus, whose only daughter, Tommasa, was never invested in the place. Later, in the fifteenth century, the village belonged to the d'Evoli and the Gambatesa and the di Capua counts.
Ferrante di Capua sold Oratino to the Rizzo barons from Naples, from whom it passed by inheritance to the Caracciolo family, and finally to the patricians Coscia from Naples. In 1630, the village became the property of the Spaniards of Silva, to be then alienated to Ottavio Vitaliano, who became Duke of Oratino.
Ottavio's son, Antonio Vitaliano, sold the feud to the Giordanos, who were appointed Dukes of Oratino in 1729 and the title was confirmed by the Kingdom of Italy in 1882.
Heritage
Oratino is a village that preserves a rich historical memory, testified by a series of buildings and places of interest. First of all, the historic center is enriched by religious monuments such as the Church of San Michele Arcangelo, dating back to the sixteenth century, and the Oratory of San Rocco, in Baroque style.
The village is also enriched by a series of historic palaces and villages such as Palazzo Vitaliano, built in the second half of the eighteenth century, and Borgo delle Grazie, known as "the anachronistic quarter", which still preserves the original medieval structure.
Culture and gastronomy
Oratino, like every Italian village, is very attentive to culture and gastronomy. There are numerous festivals and traditions in the village, such as the Feast of San Michele Arcangelo, which is celebrated on September 29, and the Chestnut Festival, which takes place in autumn.
As for gastronomy, among the typical dishes of Oratino there is caciocavallo, a very tasty spun paste cheese, and legume soup with bread crumbs. In addition, in many restaurants in the village, it is possible to taste dishes based on lamb, which is one of the typical products of the region.
Conclusion
Here is the story of Oratino, an Italian village that still preserves the memory of its long history today. Among monuments, palaces, and traditions, the village offers a series of ideas to experience a unique experience in Molise. If you want to discover this beautiful village, I suggest you visit it at least once in your lifetime.
