Located on the slopes of Matese, San Polo Matese is a charming medieval town known for its living nativity scene and the tradition of bagpipes. Founded around a Lombard castle, the village developed when the territory was part of the gastaldato of Bojano. The area is characterized by fossil findings that testify to the presence of an ancient sea, with finds of rudists and other forms of marine life, such as ichthyols and crustaceans. Walking through the picturesque alleys of the historic center, you can breathe in a medieval atmosphere, enriched by the presence of the watchtower, symbol of the town and part of the ancient walls. This tower, with its door, serves as access to the village. Not to be missed is the parish of San Pietro in Vincoli, dating back to 1241, characterized by a circular bell tower that was part of the defense system. Inside, visitors can admire a baptistery from 1552, a holy water stoup from 1616, and an 18th-century wooden statue of the Madonna and Child by Di Zinno. The church of San Nicola is also worth a visit for its historical beauty.
Another attraction of the village is the Rogati house, where there is a nativity scene created in 1961 by the Spaniard Juan Marì Oliva, accompanied by shepherds by Antonio Mazzeo. In the same building there is a paleontology museum that displays fossil finds from the area. Immersed in the greenery of the Matese, San Polo is also an ideal starting point for excursions in an uncontaminated natural environment, with paths that offer breathtaking views.
Despite the small number of residents, the inhabitants of San Polo Matese keep local traditions alive, including the evocative living nativity scene that takes place in the historic center, an event that enriches the religious and mystical celebrations. During the Christmas period, the presence of the bagpipers represents one of the liveliest traditions, making the town famous for the production of bagpipes, together with Scapoli and Castelnuovo al Volturno.
Finally, the cuisine of San Polo Matese reflects the mountain climate, with robust dishes such as bean soup with tomato, taccozze with beans and roast lamb and goat on the spit, which offer a taste of the local gastronomic traditions.