Located a few steps from Campania, Riccia dominates the Fortore valley with its fascinating castle, built on a rocky relief. The history of the village has its roots in the Samnite era, with subsequent Roman colonization. The name derives from Ariccia, the city of origin of the Roman colonists, transforming over the centuries into Saricia, Ricia and finally Riccia. In the 12th century the fiefdom belonged to the Monastery of SS. Pietro and Severo di Torremaggiore, and then passed to the Di Capua family, who maintained dominion for a long time. The historic center retains the charm of the past, with evocative alleys and historic buildings. The symbol of the city is the cylindrical tower with corbels, vestiges of the medieval Di Capua Castle. The remains of the manor, from the Norman era, stand on a cliff that drops towards a stream, while on the other side it rises up to the village. Despite the ravages of time, architectural elements are still visible, such as the portal with the coats of arms of the Di Capua and Chiaromonte families, the circular tower with a gun port and the small watchtower. The adjoining noble palace was destroyed in 1799 and struck again by the earthquake of 1805.
Among the places of worship, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie stands out, located near the ruins of the castle, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 14th century and modified over time, preserving the apse, the bell tower and the portal of the facade. The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, a witness to the local culture, is also worth a visit. Just outside the town is the “Mazzocca” forest, a green oasis very popular on August 15th.
Popular traditions are alive and heartfelt. On March 19th, for Saint Joseph, a thirteen-course banquet is organized in honor of the Holy Family. On July 16th, the Madonna del Carmine is celebrated with a solemn procession and celebrations. August 28th is dedicated to Saint Augustine, patron saint of Riccia, with a horse race in the city countryside. In September, the Grape Festival is held, with a parade of allegorical floats to celebrate the grape harvest.
In the gastronomic field, the typical dish of Riccia is the calzone, traditionally prepared for the feast of San Giuseppe.