Castelpetroso is a charming village in Molise located on a hill at about 900 meters above sea level, with a splendid view of the Matese Apennine chain. The town is famous for the majestic Basilica Santuario di Maria Santissima Addolorata, which has become one of the symbols of the region thanks to the Marian apparitions of 1888.
The origins of Castelpetroso date back to at least 964, when it is mentioned as “Colle Petroso” in an ancient document. The fortification took place in the Lombard era with the construction of the castle, from which the town takes its name. A parchment from 1011, preserved in Montecassino, testifies to the existence of the Castrum Petrosum and its churches, San Cristoforo and San Salvatore. However, the territory was already inhabited in the Samnite era, as demonstrated by the finds discovered along the Pescasseroli-Candela sheep track, which had an important road junction in Guasto.
In addition to the Basilica, Castelpetroso boasts other important churches, including the Parish Church of San Martino, the Chapel of the Maddalena and the Church of the Madonna della Libera. Also worth a visit are the Baronial Palace, the remains of the ancient castle and a characteristic panoramic washhouse.
The town is divided into four hamlets: Indiprete, Pastena, Camere, Guasto and Casale, with Indiprete hosting most of the commercial activities.
Local traditions are deeply felt, in particular the festival dedicated to the SS. Vergine dell’Addolorata. In the summer, two typical festivals take place: that of Taccuzzelle and Fagioli, and that of Scuiscelle and Ciabbotta, which celebrate the local gastronomy.
Castelpetroso, with its thousand-year history, architectural heritage and still living traditions, represents a pearl of Molise, capable of fascinating visitors and pilgrims with its evocative combination of faith, nature and culture.