Perched on a rocky ridge, Petrella Tifernina dominates the Biferno Valley, offering breathtaking views and a rich historical heritage. The village’s landmark is the Romanesque church of San Giorgio, characterized by fantastic-decorative decoration with Hellenistic-Oriental influences. The work of masters from Apulia has left its mark, with the lunette on the portal bearing the name of the magister Epidius. The solemn and austere interior is divided into three naves with columns and round arches, while the Byzantine crypt lies between the central apse and the sacristy.
The village retains the charm of yesteryear, with paved alleys and historic buildings, including the Renaissance “Sette Medici” Palace with arched loggia. Petrella Tifernina’s history is rooted in antiquity. Lithic finds testify to prehistoric settlements, while in the 12th century the town, then called Patrella, was a possession of Ruggiero di Molise. It then passed to the Angevins and several noble families, including the Berlingieri, Alemanni, Santangelo and Mormile families.
Within the municipal territory is the administrative island “Castellino Nuovo,” belonging to the municipality of Castellino del Biferno. Founded during the 20-year fascist period, it was built to provide shelter for the population from frequent landslides and earthquakes.
Petrella Tifernina is famous for its religious and gastronomic traditions. The sacred performance of the Temptations of St. Anthony and the feast of the patron saint St. George, celebrated on April 23, are heartfelt events. Culinary specialties include “cappelli di prete,” “frascatelli,” and “petacce,” homemade pasta topped with ricotta cheese and fried bacon. Other typical dishes include “ricciata,” made from boiled wheat, corn and chickpeas, and “u piccellato dolce,” prepared with eggs, lard, sugar and yeast.
Another important tradition is St. Joseph’s Day lunch, with 13 courses of legumes cooked in various ways in the characteristic clay pots. Petrella Tifernina thus represents a fascinating destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history, traditions and authentic flavors of Molise.