Castelmauro is a picturesque hilltop village from which the Adriatic Sea can be glimpsed thanks to the altitude of its mountains, located at the foot of Mount Mauro (1025 m a.s.l.), surrounded by a picturesque “depressed beech forest.”
Its origins date back to the 11th century, when the church of St. Leonard of Noblat arose. The settlement developed into two nuclei: Castelluccio, built around the castle erected in 1250, and Acquaborrana, located lower down, so called because of the presence of the Vurriano stream. Under Angevin rule, the fiefs passed from Bertrando del Reale to the Cantelmo family, followed by the D’Evoli, Ferri and Mormile families, until the Duke of Canzano, who transformed the castle into a ducal palace. In 1885, the town assumed its current name of Castelmauro.
Thanks to its salubrious climate, Castelmauro was the summer residence of the bishops of Guardialfiera. The astronomer Giovanni Boccardi, to whom the astronomical observatory on Mount Mauro is dedicated, was born here.
Highlights include the Romanesque church of San Leonardo, with an imposing facade with three entrances, an ornate high altar, side altars in pure gold, and a bell tower with four bells. Also of value are the Cantelmo palace, restored in the 15th-16th centuries, and the church of Santa Maria della Salute, with a bell tower equipped with an Agnonese bell and inscriptions commemorating the restorations of 1456 and 1675. Also worth a visit are the churches of St. Anthony of Padua and St. Nicholas of Bari.
For nature lovers, Monte Mauro Park offers trekking trails among the beech trees and the opportunity to visit the astronomical observatory, which organizes popular events.
Local traditions are expressed in the many annual events: in January the fires for St. Anthony the Abbot, in May the blessing of animals in honor of St. Lucy, in July the celebrations for Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Anne, as well as the “Mountain Festival.”
Local crafts are renowned for woodworking, ironwork, embroidery, and loom work. Gastronomy surprises with typical cured meats, such as soppressate and chili sausages, and traditional dishes such as lasagna in chicken broth, fusilli, cavatelli, and pork with peppers in vinegar. Desserts include those made with honey, cooked must and fennel, not to mention local wines.
Castelmauro is an ideal destination for those who want to discover history, nature and authentic flavors.