Fossalto emerges as a jewel hidden among green hills and flowering landscapes, where nature and history come together in a welcoming atmosphere. The village, originally called Fossaceca and renamed Fossalto in 1862, stands on high ground preserving its ancient feudal character.
The village developed around the baronial palace and two churches: the Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta and St. Anthony of Padua. These historic buildings maintain the original structure intact, embellished with stone portals made by local master craftsmen. Churches are not only testimonies of faith, but also cultural centers where the past dialogues with the present.
Fossalto was home to numerous lords, including Guglielmo Stendardo, the Sangromondo, the Di Capua, the Carafa, the Pellegrino and, finally, the Mascione. The town boasts being the birthplace of dialect poet Eugenio Cirese, a prominent figure to whom a street leading to his birthplace is dedicated. This cultural heritage is reflected in the traditions and festivals that enliven town life.
For art lovers, a visit to the churches is a must. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, in the heart of the village, is notable for its polychrome inlaid marble altar and a wooden altar decorated in pure gold, dedicated to the Madonna and Child. Some paintings, attributed to Paolo Gamba, enrich the walls, adding artistic value to the building. St. Anthony of Padua houses valuable canvases from the 17th century and an imposing carved wooden high altar covered in gold leaf.
On the hill, the baronial Mascione palace dominates the landscape, while in the Sant’Agnese district rises the ancient Church of St. Agnes and St. Emerenziana, a pilgrimage destination dating from the late 18th century and built on a Gothic complex. A picturesque 18th-century octagonal building in the open countryside and a giant bench, along with colorful bicycles at the entrance to the village, welcome visitors.
In the warmer months, starting in March, Fossalto comes alive with traditional festivals such as the “Scurpelle” festival and the “Pagliara Maje Maje,” celebrated on May 1 with the preparation of “lessima,” a genuine soup made from five grains, fresh fava beans, pecorino cheese and homemade bread, a symbol of spring rebirth.
Fossalto, with its thousand-year history, fine art and lively traditions, warmly invites every visitor to immerse themselves in a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the countryside.