Frosolone, in the heart of Molise, boasts an ancient Samnite history and is famous for its artisanal production of scissors and knives. Probably identified with the ancient “Fresilia”, conquered by the Romans in 304 BC, it preserves traces of the past in the cyclopean walls of Castellone and Civitella. The first official sources date back to the 11th century, when it belonged to the County of Isernia, then passing to the Normans and becoming part of the County of Molise.
The town offers an interesting artistic and architectural heritage. Among the most important churches, Santa Maria Assunta from the 18th century stands out, with a baroque façade and valuable works of art. Followed by Santa Maria delle Grazie, with a decorated wooden altar, the 18th-century chapel of Sant’Egidio, with a 17th-century cross, and San Pietro, also baroque. The hexagonal church of Sant’Antonio di Padova is particular.
In the historic center there is a sixteenth-century stately home with a loggia, while along the road to Santa Maria Assunta you can visit the “shepherd’s house”, which reproduces a period rural environment with typical objects. Among the public structures, the nineteenth-century washhouse with a fountain decorated with masks stands out. In addition, in via Fonticelle an events space accessible to the public has been created.
The surroundings of Frosolone offer breathtaking landscapes, with woods, pastures and the Montagnola plateau, ideal for hiking and climbing. The area is crossed by the Frassati Path and offers 360° panoramic views. Also of interest is the hermitage of Sant’Egidio, a well-preserved church with a well-kept garden. On the Gonfalone hill there is a charming chapel, easily accessible thanks to a road of the wind farm. On the hills there are still some Tholos, pastoral buildings in dry stone.
Local traditions are alive in the celebrations dedicated to Sant’Antonio Abate, with the blessing of the animals, and in the transhumance, practiced by the Colantuono family, who every May lead the cattle from Puglia to Acquevive di Frosolone. Important events are the “National Exhibition of Scissors and Knives” and the “First of August Float Parade”, with scenic representations of rural life.
The local cuisine is simple and substantial, with dishes such as “petacce e fasciuole” and delicious cheeses, including manteca, the protagonist of a festival in August in the district of Acquevive.