Castelbottaccio, a small village in Molise, is located on a hill overlooking the Biferno valley. Although not visible from the Bifernina, it can be admired in all its beauty when arriving from Lupara. The village boasts a thousand-year history and a toponymic evolution that, from the original name Calcabuczam, led it to be called Castelbottaccio.
Founded by the Normans in the 10th century, it was protected by walls and towers and already included the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. In the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the castle was transformed into a noble palace. Until the 18th century, the village was a fiefdom of several noble families, including the Marchisio, the Conza, the Piscicelli and the Cardone. Olimpia Frangipane, wife of Francesco Cardone, made the palace a cultural center, attracting the attention of the conservatives of the time.
Among the places of interest are the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the statues of San Giuseppe and the Vergine delle Grazie, the chapel of Santa Giusta, which houses a canvas by Arnaldo de Lisio, and the churches of San Oto and San Rocco. Also worth a visit are the baronial palace, the stationary cross, Piazza della Vittoria with the symbol of the town – a barrel surmounted by walls – and the morgia Corvara, a characteristic rock formation.
Traditions play a central role in the life of the village. On June 12, a large fire is lit in honor of Sant’Antonio, while in July, San Oto and the Madonna delle Grazie are celebrated. In August, Santa Giusta is celebrated with a suggestive torchlight procession.
During the festivals, you can taste typical products such as scamorze, pecorino and the “pizza scimia”, an unleavened pizza cooked on the fireplace and served with sausage and fresh cheese.
Castelbottaccio, with its historical, artistic and gastronomic heritage, is an ideal destination for those who want to discover the traditions and authentic charm of Molise.