The small town of Santa Maria del Molise, located in the heart of Molise, is characterized by two areas: a new part in the valley and a historical one, represented by the hamlet of Sant’Angelo in Grotte, perched on a rocky mountain facing the Matese. In addition to Sant’Angelo, the territory includes other hamlets such as Cagnacci, Pagliarelle, Pizzillitti and San Pietro in Vincoli.
The origins of the town date back to the Samnite era, with an initial settlement around a church dedicated to Sant’Angelo. In the 6th century AD, the Lombards restructured the area and built a castle, of which no trace remains today. Sant’Angelo in Grotte became an important center, managed by a feudal lord. The name of the village derives from both the Saint and the noble Santangelo family. Only in 1958, the municipal seat was moved back to Santa Maria del Molise.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the Parco dei Mulini, a green area with a charming waterfall. In the village, the church dedicated to Santa Maria del Molise is worth a visit. Among the hamlets, Sant’Angelo in Grotte is particularly important, as it houses the crypt under the church of San Pietro in Vinculis, where you can admire 14th-century frescoes representing the seven works of Mercy and an ancient stone altar.
The cave of San Michele, located at the entrance to the village, is a legendary place; according to tradition, the archangel Michael chose this place as his home before heading towards the Gargano, digging an underground tunnel. In addition to these attractions, the remains of a Roman villa are visible in the surrounding area, along with a road cross from 1537 and one of the rare houses with the characteristic stone roofs called “liscie”.
The most important festival in the village is the one dedicated to San Michele, which is celebrated every year on 11 and 12 May. During these days, religious rites are combined with concerts and spectacular fireworks on the evening of May 11, making the event a moment of strong participation and tradition for the community.