San Martino in Pensilis, located on a hill near the Biferno River and the Adriatic Sea, is one of the main centers of Lower Molise. Famous for the Carrese and the pampanella, it boasts a rich and fascinating history.
The area has hosted human settlements since ancient times, with evidence of the Roman presence, including the remains of a rustic villa from the 2nd century BC found in the Mattonelle area. The name of the town derives from a sacred building dedicated to San Martino, around which the first residential nucleus developed. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Duchy of Benevento under the Lombards, later to the County of Loritello with the Normans and then to the Di Capua.
The historic center preserves valuable buildings, including the Baronial Palace, built by the Di Capua, which stands out for its square plan and the loggia overlooking the sea. Among the most significant churches are the Baroque Church of San Pietro Apostolo, with decorated interiors and an eighteenth-century façade, the Church of San Giuseppe, Santa Maria in Pensili, the Chapel of Madonna delle Grazie and the Franciscan convent of Gesù e Maria.
The Carrese, a symbolic event of the town, has been held on April 30 since the 18th century. This competition sees teams compete on ox-drawn carts to obtain the honor of carrying the statue of San Leo in the procession on June 2. Other important festivities include the feast of San Biagio (February 3), with the transhumance of horses, San Giuseppe (March 19), Sant’Antonio di Padova (June 13) and the Madonna delle Grazie (July 2).
The local gastronomic tradition is equally rich. Pampanella, pork cooked in the oven with plenty of chili pepper, is the typical dish par excellence. Other specialties include “timpane sammartinese”, a Christmas timbale, and “bucatini con la mollica”, pasta with fried breadcrumbs and raisins.
San Martino in Pensilis offers a mix of history, culture and culinary traditions, making it a fascinating destination for those who want to discover the authentic soul of Molise.