Cercemaggiore, the highest town in the province of Campobasso (930 m above sea level), is known as the “Sentinel of the Samnites.” It rises in the heart of Sannio, on the slopes of Mount Santa Maria, and offers a striking panorama. Its origins date back to the 4th century B.C., when the Samnites settled there, as evidenced by the remains of an agricultural center and a stronghold destroyed following Saracen looting.
The village guards a rich historical and architectural heritage. The 13th-century Church of the Assumption, with its late Romanesque portal, is one of five in Molise linked to the Legend of the Bove King. The Church of Santa Maria della Croce, founded in 1261 on a pre-existing Norman building, has 17th-century frescoes, 16th-17th-century paintings, a 1735 organ, and precious reliquaries.
On Mount Saraceno (1089 m a.s.l.) there are remains of Samnite fortifications, while in Pesco Morelli there are ruins of a dwelling from the same period. The medieval village of Caselvatica preserves a tower and low hovels, while in Rocca are the remains of a church from before the year 1000. Just outside the village stands the Convent of Santa Maria della Libera, with a 14th-century wooden statue of the Madonna, an object of local devotion.
The 17th-century castle, which belonged to the Carafa and then the Doria families, has Norman origins and was transformed from a fortress into a stately residence. Prominent among the evidence of the various eras are the ancient stables, the barrel-vaulted cellar, and the marquis’ four-poster bed, with a ceiling painted in 1752 by Falocco.
The historic center has undergone transformations over time, but still preserves pavements worn by the passage of farmers and pack animals. The surrounding area offers caves and forests, including the fascinating Fairy Caves.
Among the most heartfelt traditions is the festival of codfish and fried peppers, held in early July at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Libera. During the festival, typical dishes are tasted, accompanied by music and performances. Local cuisine is characterized by genuine flavors, including cavatelli with pork and sausages, specialties of Cercemaggiore’s mountain tradition.