Sant’Agapito, a small village near Isernia, is the north-western gateway to the Matese. Walking through the alleys, you can still hear the rhythmic sound of the tombolo, a traditional art passed down through generations and appreciated throughout Italy.
The town is immersed in the Torrente Lorda Natural Area, ideal for excursions thanks to the numerous available paths. The name of the municipality derives from a church dedicated to Sant’Agapito, built by Benedictine monks. According to legend, a wooden bust of the saint, found among the ruins of the church in the nineteenth century, was too heavy for everyone except a local woman, interpreted as a sign of the saint’s desire to remain in Sant’Agapito.
The historic center preserves traces of its Lombard origins, with valuable buildings such as the Church of San Nicola (1627), built on the remains of a pagan temple, with two facades on Via Carbonari and Via Manzoni. Also of great interest are the Feudal Palace with its ancient tower, the Byzantine Cross and the Church of the Madonna dell’Olmeto, which according to tradition arose after an apparition of the Virgin in a grove of elms. Among the places to visit are also the old oil mill, the church of Santa Maria Bambina, the old hydroelectric power plant and the Cinciuni refuge with a picnic area.
Sant’Agapito is animated by various religious festivities: on June 13th they celebrate Sant’Antonio da Padova, on August 15th the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on August 16th San Rocco, while on August 17th and 18th the patron saint Sant’Agapito Martire. The hamlet of Temennotte celebrates the Madonna di Lourdes at the end of August, while in the hamlet of Scalo Ferroviario, in the first ten days of September, Santa Maria Bambina is honored with the Sagra degli Arrosticini.
The art of bobbin lace is still practiced and the local culinary tradition offers dishes of ancient origins such as Pia, eaten on Holy Saturday and Easter morning, Polenta, Taccunelle with beans and liver sausages.
Sant’Agapito represents a perfect synthesis of history, tradition and nature, offering visitors an authentic experience of culture, flavours and scenic beauty.