Colletorto stands on the slope of Colle Crocella, to the left of the Fortore River, and offers a splendid panorama that sweeps from the olive-rich hills and Lake Occhito to Gargano, lower Molise and the sea.
The first historical records of the village date back to the Angevin registers of 1320, in which it is mentioned as “Collis Tortus.” The Angevin lordship left an indelible mark on the history of the village, evidenced by the tower that still bears the insignia of Queen Giovanna I of Anjou.
Colletorto’s architecture retains its medieval charm, with compact dwellings, narrow alleys and the majestic Angevin tower, built in 1369 next to the castle. Opposite the tower stands the church of St. John the Baptist, built in 1730, characterized by two entrances, one of which is located in the bell tower. In the upper part of the village, on the other hand, is the church of Sant’Alfonso dei Liguori, which houses a magnificent wooden organ.
From a naturalistic point of view, Lake Occhito represents one of the most striking attractions in the area. Europe’s second largest artificial reservoir, it offers spectacular scenery surrounded by unspoiled nature.
Colletorto is also linked to numerous festivals and traditions, many of them religious in nature. Among the most heartfelt events are the fair of St. John the Baptist, the fair of St. Matthew, the bonfires of St. Anthony and the Feast of St. Mary of Loreto. Of particular note is the event of the “Angevin Nights,” a historical procession that evokes the period of Angevin rule and the connection with Queen Joan I.
Between history, architecture and traditions, Colletorto represents a charming corner of Molise where the past blends harmoniously with the natural landscape.