Sant'Elia a Pianisi
Welcome to Sant'Elia a Pianisi!
Sant'Elia a Pianisi is a small municipality located in the province of Campobasso, in the Molise region, Italy. With only 1670 inhabitants, this town is known for its Franciscan convent dedicated to the famous Padre Pio. If you are thinking of visiting Sant'Elia a Pianisi, here is what you need to know.
Physical geography
If you like cool climates, Sant'Elia a Pianisi is the place for you! During the winter, in fact, the temperature can drop as low as -4 degrees. Therefore, do not forget your heavy jacket and woolen hat if you decide to visit the town during this season.
History
The history of Sant'Elia a Pianisi dates back to the 10th century, when the town was founded as a Longobardic castro. In those years, the medieval castle of Pianisi was built. In the following century, land was granted for the construction of a monastery dedicated to Saint Peter. In the 15th century, a natural disaster forced the inhabitants of the upper village of Pianisi to move to the lower territory of the abbey, which was renamed Sant'Elia a Pianisi.
In 1600, the town became a fiefdom of numerous Neapolitan families, including the Palma Artois. The abbey fell into ruin in the 18th century, but remained a Franciscan convent, where Father Pio went to study in 1901 at the recommendation of the healthy mountain air in the region.
In the second half of the 20th century, the town began to depopulate, but today is experiencing growing religious tourism thanks to the Franciscan convent that hosted Father Pio.
Symbols
The town's coat of arms depicts Saint Elia standing on a wooden cart holding a white scarf. The flag is red.
Monuments and places of interest
Church of Sant'Elia prophet
The Church of Sant'Elia prophet was built in the 15th century with the Slavic colonization of the castle of Pianisi. The church was enlarged in 1589 and underwent numerous renovations over the centuries, particularly in the 19th century with the Neoclassical reconstruction of the interior. The projecting façade is simple, in irregular stone, with a Renaissance-style arched portal and a central oculus. The interior, with three aisles, hosts few works of art, including a Flemish painting of the church of Torre Zeppa di Ripabottoni from 1720 and two wooden statues from the 17th century of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary.
Church of San Rocco
The Church of San Rocco is located on the main square at the end of Corso Umberto I. Dating back to 1530, it was built as a chapel of the old noble palace of Sant'Elia. The portal is characterized by a late Romanesque bas-relief. Rebuilt at the end of the 19th century, the church was annexed to the Municipality, which is located in the old noble palace.
Conclusions
If you are planning a trip to Italy, Sant'Elia a Pianisi could be an interesting destination for tourists who love religious tourism and history. With its monuments and places of interest, Sant'Elia a Pianisi will offer you a truly unique experience. Do not forget to dress appropriately if you decide to visit the town in winter and enjoy the cool climate of the area.
