On the heights of Civitanova del Sannio, close to the Lucera-Castel di Sangro sheep track, are the evocative remains of the church and monastery of San Benedetto de Iumento Albo, among the oldest in Molise. Immersed in the countryside, this place fascinates with its atmosphere suspended between history, faith and uncontaminated nature.
The history of the site is documented by parchments preserved in Montecassino. In 1002, the comes Berardo and his wife donated an existing church to the abbot Pietro, located “in loco qui vocatur Molendini Vetulus” (near Bagnoli del Trigno), later deciding to add a monastery to it. In 1020, the complex passed under the control of the abbey of Montecassino, entering a network of monastic alliances that also involved the monasteries of Frosolone, Carovilli and Pietrabbondante. San Benedetto de Iumento Albo remained linked to Montecassino at least until the 12th century, as attested by the bronze doors of Montecassino and by imperial documents.
Today the site preserves the imposing bell tower, restored thanks to the intervention of the Superintendence and the Municipality. Since 2014, archaeological investigations by the Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples have allowed the interior of the church to be freed from collapses, bringing to light important architectural elements: the pillar of the triumphal arch, a square tower leaning against the façade and various levels of flooring.
The excavations have revealed an original floor in sandstone slabs, located about a meter below the current surface, in addition to the staircase leading to the presbytery, testifying to the division between the monastic area and the area reserved for lay people. The walls of the church, once entirely frescoed, only retain fragments of plaster.
A dramatic event, perhaps a plague, led to the floor level being raised with earth and rubble and to the collective burial of numerous deceased. At the same time, the main portal was walled up, profoundly modifying the entrance structure.
Finally, the excavations also revealed part of the southern and eastern cloister, paved with schist slabs and later used as a funerary area.
San Benedetto de Iumento Albo is a place that deserves to be known and appreciated. Visiting it, you take an authentic journey through time, to the rediscovery of deep and still living roots.