Fornelli: Village between olive trees and mountains with breathtaking sunset

Located in the Volturno valley, Fornelli stands on a hill surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, making it an important center of oil production. The village retains its medieval structure and offers historical and natural attractions.
The origins of Fornelli probably date back to the 9th century, as a dependency of the Badia di San Vincenzo al Volturno. Initially located near the Vandra river, it changed position for unknown reasons. The name may derive from ancient ovens for baking bricks, using local clay.
Over the centuries, the fiefdom belonged to the Pandone, Galluccio, Caracciolo and Carmignano families. The population has ties to the diocese of Valva and Sulmona and is believed to have introduced the cult of San Domenico di Sora. During the Second World War, Fornelli was the scene of a massacre: in October 1943, the Nazis hanged the mayor and five citizens for not revealing information about an attack on German troops.
Historical evidence is visible in the well-preserved walls, with castle and towers. Among the important monuments are the Mother Church of San Michele Arcangelo, with a statue of the saint and three 18th-century paintings, the Church of San Pietro Martire, with a refined Renaissance portal and Baroque altar, and the chapels of the Madonna delle Grazie, Madonna Assunta and Madonna Addolorata. Of particular value is the private chapel of the Laurelli family, in the historic center.
The Baronial Palace preserves the layout of the ancient Lombard castle, while the Norman and Angevin towers and the village gates, once equipped with a drawbridge, bear witness to the fortified past. Also noteworthy is the Fountain of Summer, a replica of a sculpture by Mathurin Moreau exhibited at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1855.
Walking along the patrol path, you can admire the sunset, celebrated in a phrase by Podestà Carlo Dentice dated 1667. Inside the village is a museum with a faithful reconstruction and a photographic exhibition.
The surrounding area offers routes immersed in nature along the Vandra stream. Among the most important events are the “Giornate al Borgo” on 13 and 14 August, with medieval re-enactments and the burning of the castle.
Fornelli is known for its light, fruity oil, as well as the cultivation of rare legumes. The local gastronomy includes typical dishes such as sagne e fasciuel, sciur c coccia, suffritt, tripe with peppers and desserts such as cioffe, pastiera and r turcniegl.