Nestled in the countryside overlooking the Matese, Colle d’Anchise is a small village that combines history, nature and traditions. Its origins date back to Samnite times, as evidenced by artifacts found in the locality of San Giovanni. The name, according to legend, is said to derive from Anchises, father of Aeneas, who took refuge here after escaping from Troy.
The first written records date back to 1404, when the fief was assigned to Filippo Sant’Angelo. Subsequently, the village came under the rule of several noble families, including the Pandone, Mormile, Moccia, Costanzo and Filomarino families.
Among the most important monuments is the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, of medieval origin, which has a polychrome marble altar and three paintings by the painter Amedeo Trivisonno. Also noteworthy is the church of San Sisto, which houses a valuable wooden statue by Columbus. In the surrounding countryside are the chapels of St. Nicholas and St. Margaret, places of worship with simple, old-world charm.
In the heart of the village stands what remains of the ancient castle, a witness to the village’s feudal past.
Local festivities are moments of strong community participation. On August 6 the patron saint, St. Sixtus, is celebrated, while on June 13 the traditional bonfires in honor of St. Anthony are lit. Particularly striking is the feast of “Ru pagliar d’Maje,” held on the first Sunday in May, while in the summer there is the folkloric event “Colle salta nel West.”
Gastronomy also tells the identity of the village with typical dishes such as trout in oil soup and cicerchiata, a traditional dessert of Molise cuisine.
Colle d’Anchise is therefore an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history, nature and traditions of an authentic Molise village.