Casalciprano is a small medieval village in central Molise, located on a hill between the Biferno and Rio valleys. Well preserved and evocative, it hosts an open-air museum that tells the story of peasant life in the past.
The first certain historical information dates back to the 14th century. The name could derive from “Casale” combined with a feudal lord named Cipriano. The village was owned by several noble families, including the D’Evoli, Mazzacane, Broncia, De Leto and di Palma families. The life of the inhabitants, mainly peasants, has been recalled in two exhibitions curated by the “Casale Ciprano” study group, which highlight beliefs, rituals and popular wisdom.
Casalciprano has several churches of historical value, but many are unusable due to earthquakes. The only one that has been restored is the Church of SS. Annunziata with its very well-kept and popular park. An unmissable attraction is the open-air Museum of Rural Memory, with sculptures, drawings and engravings scattered along the streets of the village.
Local traditions are still deeply felt. On May 13, on the occasion of the feast of San Cristinziano, the patron saint of the village, crosses are made of blessed reeds and placed in the fields as protection for the harvest. The feast of the Annunziata is celebrated at the chapel restored in 1906 thanks to emigrants to America. In November, there is a parade of tractors decorated with agricultural products, then donated to the church.
Among the most characteristic folkloristic events are the Giriata p lu paese on August 15, a gastronomic route in the historic center to rediscover glimpses of the village, the maitunate on December 31, with groups of singers who wander through the streets playing accordions and traditional instruments and improvising satirical songs for the inhabitants and the game of ruzzola, a challenge between local teams with a wooden disc that is rolled through the streets of the village.
The cuisine of Casalciprano reflects the tradition of Molise with simple and tasty dishes. Among the local specialties is the “pizz’e m’nestre”, a soup of vegetables and corn flour, cooked under a cup with burning embers.
Casalciprano is a small jewel that preserves its history, its traditions and the warmth of its community, offering visitors an authentic journey into the past.