Mafalda is a small village in Molise located between the Adriatic Sea, the Trigno River and the hills of the hinterland. Situated on a hill called “ripa”, from which the dialect “R’paldë” comes, it offers spectacular views from the Majella to the sea.
The village has changed its name several times: initially called “Trespaldum”, it became “Ripa Alta” or “Ripalta sul Trigno” before taking, in 1903, its current name in honor of the daughter of Vittorio Emanuele III. Over the course of history, the village belonged to various noble families, including the Alittos, the d’Evolis, the Piscitellis, the Caracciolos and the Dukes of Canzano.
Despite the expansion towards the valley, Mafalda retains its ancient urban layout. The historic center, with its low houses and narrow streets, is dominated by the church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt after the earthquakes of 1456 and 1805. At the southern entrance to the town is the church of San Nicola. Another important building is the baronial palace “Iuliani”, dating back to the 17th century, characterized by a well with a possible escape route and a room with a trapdoor.
In the surrounding area there are remains of ancient settlements: “Ripalda Vecchia”, the first inhabited nucleus of the 11th-12th century, and a Roman domus rustica of the 1st-2nd century AD, evidenced by the findings of amphorae, lamps and tools. In 2009, during work in the municipal villa, the remains of the Paolotti monastery emerged, confirming the rumors handed down over time.
Mafalda keeps its traditions alive. One of the most heartfelt is that of the “thirteen courses” for San Giuseppe. The town’s patron saint is San Valentino, but they also celebrate Sant’Antonio di Padova, with decorated floats, and the Carnival, full of dancing, singing and typical gastronomy.
Mafaldese cuisine offers authentic flavors: among the typical dishes, the cod in batter, the ventricina (also used to season cavatelli and pasta and beans with pork rinds) and the mostaccioli among the desserts stand out. A small village, therefore, rich in history, traditions and genuine flavors, all to be discovered.