Rocchetta a Volturno
The Treasures of Rocchetta a Volturno: A City Built on History
Located in the region of Molise, Rocchetta a Volturno is a small community of about 700 inhabitants that stretches across an area of 18.83 square kilometers. The city is known for its millenary history, characterized by the presence of traces of ancient settlements from the Roman and medieval periods. Above all, Rocchetta a Volturno stands out for its unique geographical position, perched on a hill but at the same time adjacent to a valley that rises, making the territory of the city one-of-a-kind. This article aims to present in a friendly and exhaustive way the nature and history of this fascinating Molisan community.
Physical Geography
One of the aspects that makes Rocchetta a Volturno such a special place is its location on the Mainarde, a mountain range that divides Molise from Abruzzo. The city extends both on the slopes of the hill and on the underlying valley where the river Volturno flows. The valley is the largest in the area and is adjacent to the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise.
Rocchetta a Volturno is made up of two inhabited nuclei called Rocchetta Alta (or Rocchetta Vecchia) and Rocchetta Nuova. Rocchetta Alta is the original village and is located on a hill from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the underlying valley and the surrounding mountains. Rocchetta Nuova, on the other hand, is the modern inhabited nucleus born at the end of the 19th century, following a flood that hit the historic center. The latter is located at a lower altitude than Rocchetta Alta.
History
The geographical position of Rocchetta a Volturno has meant that the city has always been a place of passage and stopover for travelers and traders. The territory of Rocchetta a Volturno, in fact, is rich in historical evidence that tells its story.
Antiquity and Middle Ages
It is supposed that the village has been inhabited since Roman times. The first traces in fact date back to the 4th-5th century AD in the area called Vaccareccia, where remains of ancient buildings presumably from the Roman era have been found.
In the Middle Ages, Rocchetta was part of the possessions of the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno. The city was located in a strategic elevated position for the monastery, located a few kilometers away. Starting from the 13th century, during the feudal period, Rocchetta hosted one of the most important castles in the province of Isernia, Castello Battiloro.
Modern Period
During the mid-17th century, Rocchetta a Volturno was part of the possessions of the Abbey of Montecassino, which was later sold to Marchese Vitantonio Battiloro in 1763. In addition, after the unification of Italy, the Municipality of Rocchetta a Volturno came under the province of Isernia.
Twentieth Century
Like many other cities in the South of Italy, Rocchetta a Volturno has suffered the effects of Italian emigration, which has caused a decrease in population and the abandonment of rural and artisanal activities. However, in the mid-twentieth century, one of the main historical events that marked the life of Rocchetta a Volturno, was the beginning of the construction of the Enel power plant which brought the city to national attention.
Conclusions
Rocchetta a Volturno is a historic and fascinating municipality. Thanks to its geographical position, it is a tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unspoiled nature of the Volturno valley. Its ancient and medieval history, together with its castles and churches, make it one-of-a-kind. Despite the effects of emigration, Rocchetta a Volturno is a hidden gem that carries with it the history and culture of Molise.
