Montenero di Bisaccia stands on a hill overlooking the countryside and the sea. Its origins date back to prehistory, with traces of the Neolithic age. The current village was born from the village of Bisaccia, abandoned due to the barbarian invasions. The inhabitants initially took refuge in the sandstone caves and then settled on the hill called “Monte Nero” due to the thick vegetation.
The first historical mention of the place dates back to 872, when it belonged to the Abbey of S. Maria a Caleno. In 1187 the Borrellian Catalogue cites Montenero among the fiefs of the Borrello family. In 1315 the fiefdom passed to Pietro d’Angiò and subsequently to various noble families, including the Cantelmo, the Carafa and the D’Avalos.
Among the main monuments is the 13th-century Montebello tower, with a square plan and connected by a spiral staircase. Sacred buildings include the church of San Matteo Apostolo, with an organ from 1740 and a carved choir from 1787, and the church of Santa Maria Santissima di Bisaccia, built in 1811 on the remains of an older chapel, with a painting depicting the Madonna. There are also the churches of Santa Maria del Carmine, San Giovanni Battista and Sant’Antonio Abate.
Montenero is one of the few coastal municipalities in Molise, with a marine area characterized by wide sandy beaches and a port. Important from a historical and geological point of view is the presence of Neolithic sandstone caves, still partly used and home to the Living Nativity Scene. The Calanchi Park, with its rock formations and fossil finds, offers an interesting walk through history and geology.
There are numerous local events, including the evocative Living Nativity Scene, from December 24 to January 6. Other festivals include Carnival, with its parade of allegorical floats, the Montenerese Summer in August, the national craft fair, the ventricina festival, the threshing festival and the wine festival.
The local cuisine boasts porchetta and, above all, ventricina, a spicy sausage typical of the area, much appreciated for its intense and characteristic flavour.
Montenero di Bisaccia combines history, culture, nature and traditions, making it a place full of charm and attractions for visitors and residents.