Pozzilli, located on the green plains of Molise’s Volturno River, is a village rich in history, striking views and archaeological evidence. The area, inhabited since prehistoric times, has yielded pit tombs dated between the 6th century B.C. and the 2nd century A.D., confirming its importance in economic and cultural exchanges with Campania and Lazio.
The best-known hamlet, Santa Maria Oliveto, arose in 839 around a church dedicated to San Lorenzo, dependent on the abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno. The hamlet retains a city wall with twelve towers, a keep (ancient prison) and the “Saracen” gate, evidence of defenses against Muslim raids.
Over the centuries Pozzilli came under the rule of several noble families, including the Galluccio, the D’Aversa, the Pandone and finally the Gaetani. Until 1810 it was a hamlet of Venafro before gaining autonomy.
The origin of the name may derive from “puteoli,” referring to the small wells of the Augustan aqueduct in the area, or to a “malodorous puddle,” similar to Pozzuoli in Campania.
There are numerous churches of historical and artistic interest, including the Church of Santa Caterina Vergine e Martire in the center of Pozzilli, and the churches of Santa Lucia, Santa Maria delle Grazie and Cuore Immacolato di Maria in the hamlets.
In Norman times, a small Benedictine settlement arose in the locality of Arcora along the route between Montecassino and San Vincenzo al Volturno. A few arches of an ancient building remain visible, giving the area its name.
Archaeological evidence includes two rustic villas, one in the Camerelle locality and the other in the Cerquelo locality, as well as the remains of the Augustan aqueduct and the Agrippa baths in the Acqua Solfurea locality.
The most heartfelt festivities include the celebration of St. Anne, patron saint of Pozzilli, and the August 9 and 10 festival in honor of San Lorenzo Martire in Santa Maria Oliveto.
Culinary tradition offers typical dishes such as “baccalà alla montanara” and “polenta a tortigliuni,” prepared with well-cooked vegetables and seasoned with fried oil, chili peppers and browned garlic. Pozzilli, with its historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage, is a fascinating destination for those who wish to discover the authentic heart of Molise.