Palata, nestled among the rolling hills of lower Molise, stands on high ground that slopes down to the plain, just a few kilometers from the sea. Its territory, rich in crops and forests, offers a perfect balance of rural tranquility and proximity to the coast.
The origins of the village are linked to the “Paludella” or “Palatella” district and the post-earthquake reconstruction of 1456. In 1461, survivors from Larino joined Slavic settlers, founding the present settlement. Already mentioned in the 12th century in the Borrellian Catalog, Palata passed under various feudal lords: Roberto della Rocca, Francesco della Posta, the Gravina counts, the Ionata family and, later, the Orsini, Toraldo and Azlor Pallavicino Zapata families, dukes of Villahermosa.
The historic center preserves well-maintained buildings, with low houses leaning against each other. Notable places of interest include the church of Santa Giusta, located along the old “Regio Tratturo,” which holds a venerated statue of the saint, and the church of Santa Maria La Nova, built in 1531 by Croatians present in the area, with distinctive architecture. The church of San Rocco is also worth visiting.
On the outskirts of the town is the neviera, an ancient construction for storing snow in summer. Suggestive is the “Catalan Hell,” a deep cavity of volcanic origin formed on the site of ancient Palatella after the earthquake.
St. Rocco, the patron saint of Palata, is celebrated on August 16 with shows and fireworks, while the feast of St. Anthony is marked by a procession of decorated ox-drawn farm carts preceding the statue of the saint.
The local gastronomic tradition boasts specialties such as fusilli and penne with pork lard, dishes that enhance the simple and genuine flavors of the area.