Hidden among the hills of central Molise, Matrice is an ancient village with Samnite roots. After the defeat of the Samnites in 305 BC, the Romans converted their sanctuaries, including the temple of Colle Melaino, now Santa Maria della Strada. The village, then a simple rural settlement, developed in the Middle Ages with the birth of Casale and the dominion of various feudal families, including the Luparia, the Da Ponte and the De Capua, up to the last feudal lord, the Pacca family.
The most representative symbol of the village is the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Strada, located on a hill outside the town and consecrated in 1148. Characterized by simple and rigorous lines, it preserves a rose window with twelve small circles and symbols linked to the legend of the Ox King. The interior, restored to its original Romanesque style, houses a wooden statue of the Madonna and Child, a wooden crucifix, a fifteenth-century holy water stoup and a fourteenth-century sarcophagus, the tomb of Blessed Berardo d’Aquino.
In the town, the church of San Silvestro Papa, the church of Sant’Antonio and Palazzo Ciaccia, probably built on the ruins of a medieval castle, are worth a visit. Outside the town, in a lush forest, the Sambuco waterfall, a small but fascinating attraction for nature lovers.
Matrice is also rich in traditions and festivities. Among the oldest, the procession of the Madonna della Strada, which takes place between April and May, culminating with the return of the statue to the sanctuary and the celebration of the patron saint Sant’Urbano.
The “Ferragosto Matriciano” celebrates the Assumption on 14 and 15 August with a festival dedicated to local ham and Matrice bread. In September, the Feast of San Pio is accompanied by the Sagra dei Cavatelli with pork ribs. The Carnevale dei Matriciani, born 15 years ago, features allegorical floats made with recycled materials, addressing fantasy, animation and current affairs themes. The parade also involves Campobasso, Montagano and Petrella Tifernina, attracting great participation. Between history, art and traditions, Matrice preserves a unique identity in the heart of Molise, making it a fascinating place to discover.