Chiauci, a charming village in Alto Molise, offers an ideal natural environment for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking and mountain biking.
Of ancient origins, the village, once called Clàvicia, has seen the succession of different feudal lords. It became an autonomous municipality in 1811, passing under the province of Campobasso in the Republican period and returning to Isernia in 1970.
The mountainous territory is dominated by forests, such as Sant’Onofrio, home to an adventure park and a historic church. The historic center preserves stone buildings and offers a striking panorama between the cliffs and peaks of Abruzzo. Major monuments include the Parish Church of St. John the Baptist, rebuilt in the 18th century with a medieval tower converted into a bell tower. The Church of the Most Holy Rosary, once the chapel of St. Sebastian, has kept a copy of the Holy Shroud since 2013. Nearby is the Church of Sant’Onofrio, dating from the year 1000, with late Baroque features.
The Baronial Palace dominates the village, flanked by the Bell Tower and Clock Tower. Once walled with three entrances, it gave its name to “via tre porte.” The construction of the dam on the Trigno River led to the disappearance of a 60-meter waterfall. In the Vomero locality is a cave with an internal path of about 800 meters.
Water is a key element of the area: the Trigno River, fed by more than 40 springs, is known for its light waters with alleged healing properties. The “Lucera-Castel di Sangro” sheep trail runs through the area, skirting the Bosco di Sant’Onofrio, where picnic and camping areas are located. The region’s first adventure park is located here, a perfect attraction for adrenaline lovers.
Local traditions include religious and gastronomic festivals. St. George, the town’s patron saint, is celebrated on April 23, while St. Onofrio is celebrated with a procession on June 11. June 13 is dedicated to St. Anthony’s bread festival, linked to child protection rites. On November 11, for St. Martin’s Day, typical dishes such as gnocchi with pork gravy, cream of potato and pumpkin, polenta with sausage, and “grandigne pizza” are prepared. Another specialty is “squattone,” a winter dish of pasta with cooking water and red wine.