In the heart of Molise, between the internal and border areas, stands Jelsi, a village rich in history and tradition. Situated on a panoramic hill overlooking the Fortore valley, the town preserves a fascinating historical center of medieval origin.
The origins of Jelsi are uncertain: some believe that the name derives from colonies of gypsies, called “Terra Gyptie” in 1494, while others connect it to the Zingani tribe, part of the Bulgarian people. In the Angevin registers, the village appears as “Gittia”, later becoming “Gitium” and “Gelzi”. The first certain evidence dates back to 1269, when Charles I of Anjou donated the fief to Bertrando di Belmonte. In the following centuries, Jelsi came under the control of various noble families, including the Carafa.
The medieval center develops on a spindle plan of Roman origin, with the decumanus still visible in Via S. Andrea. It stands on a limestone spur overlooking the Carapelle stream and is home to important historic buildings. In Largo Chiesa Madre are the Church of S. Andrea Apostolo (11th century), rebuilt after the earthquake of 1805, and the Palazzo Ducale dei Carafa (16th century). Of great interest is the Crypt of the SS. Annunziata (13th century), with 14th-century frescoes, including a rare representation of a naked Christ as an adult. In the rest of the town you can admire Palazzo Valiante, Casa Pinabello, Palazzo Civico and the Fontana dei Delfini. Nearby are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the annexed Museum of Grain, the Civitavecchia Caves, the Paleontological Park, Colle San Pietro and the “Valle del Cerro” Park. Just outside the town, there is an ancient Roman bridge rebuilt in 1823.
Jelsi is famous for the “Festa del Grano” in honor of Sant’Anna, during which carts pulled by oxen parade through the town to the Sant’Anna farmyard, where the wheat is blessed and threshed. Another tradition is that of the Bear Man, linked to the carnival, while among the recent events the “Sagra du Funnateglie” stands out.
The local gastronomy is rich in authentic flavors. The symbolic dish is “u funnateglie”, followed by cod prepared in various versions. Among the desserts, the “cauzuni” stand out, rustic filled with chickpeas and honey, and the “mpanatella”, made with candied vegetables with lard and corn flour pizza.