Acquaviva d’Isernia, a charming mountain village, captivates with its imposing castle, the church of Sant’Anastasio and an extraordinary panorama of the Mainarde Apennine chain.
The village has ancient origins, bearing witness to Samnite settlements along the Pescasseroli-Candela sheep-track and later Roman, with the construction of a temple dedicated to Apollo. In the 8th century some settlers, authorized by the monks of the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno, settled in the area, which in the 11th century came under Lombard rule with the Borrello family, who built the castle to guard the Rio River. Over the centuries the fief passed to different lords until it became an autonomous municipality in 1946.
The Carmignano castle, of Lombard origin, was badly damaged during World War II but remains one of the main attractions with the magnificent view of the Mainarde Mountains as a backdrop. Places of worship include the church of St. Anastasius, the chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, rebuilt after the 1805 earthquake, and the shrine of Santa Maria Assunta. There are also numerous water sources in the area, hence the name of the town.
One of the most heartfelt events is “La Focata,” a celebration of the patron saint St. Anastasius on January 22. During the festivity, the statue of the saint is placed at the entrance of the church and facing a large night bonfire, a symbol of devotion and community. The fire, blessed by the priest, continues to burn throughout the night and the embers the following morning are kept by the faithful.
Local gastronomy does not feature an exclusive dish but offers traditional recipes such as “sagn‘ e fasciuol” (pasta and beans), “cotigh’ e fasciuol” (pork rinds and beans), and typical sweets such as “scurpell” and “pizzelle.” Thanks to the quality of the local bean, a fundamental ingredient of the local cuisine, the event “La Fagiolata” at the end of summer has become a must-attend event, attracting numerous visitors each year.
Acquaviva d’Isernia, with its history, traditions and striking landscape, is a fascinating destination for those who wish to discover the authentic heart of Molise.