San Giuliano del Sannio is a charming town located on a sunny hill in the Matese area, a few kilometers from the border with Campania. This place, rich in history, has been inhabited since the Samnite and Roman eras and is easily recognizable by its double bell tower. The name “San Giuliano” refers to the veneration of the saint, although he is not the official patron saint of the town. Until 1863, the town was known as San Giuliano di Sepino, but the name was changed to “del Sannio” to highlight its historical-geographical position.
The territory has revealed archaeological finds that suggest the presence of pre-Roman settlements, including a villa belonging to a certain Accio Juliano, a Roman preconsul. Later, the town became a Lombard castrum and over the centuries it was conquered by the Normans, Angevins and Aragonese.
The church of San Nicola is one of the main architectural elements of the town, famous for its two bell towers, a unique example in the Molise region. The origins of the church date back to the 12th century, but it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1456 and damaged again in 1805. Other places of interest include the 17th-century Palazzo Marchesale, built on the ancient castle, the church of San Rocco and the Chapel of Sant’Antonio. Not far from the town centre, there are also the remains of the Roman villa “dei Neratii”, which, despite their less than excellent state of conservation, testify to the importance of a monumental complex of high rank, probably belonging to an influential family.
Every year, on 8 and 9 May, a unique event takes place, the parade “I pistoleeri di San Nicola”. The tradition of the Fucilieri began in the early 1800s and represents a distinctive way of celebrating the Patron Saint. During this religious holiday, the Sangiulianesi and the devotees of the neighbouring towns descend on the town armed with muzzle-loading arquebuses, firing blank shots as a sign of celebration. The patron saint is also celebrated on August 10, further enriching local traditions.