Toro, a picturesque village in Molise, stands on a hill overlooking the valley of the Tappino river, a tributary of the Fortore, and the adjacent sheep track, the Lucera-Castel di Sangro. Of medieval origin, it developed around a castle, later transformed into the Church of the Santissimo Salvatore. The first historical evidence dates back to 1092, when it belonged to Limosano, and then passed under the jurisdiction of the Badia di Santa Sofia until 1785.
In 1805, the violent earthquake of Sant’Anna devastated the town, which was subsequently rebuilt. Among its historic buildings, the Convent of Santa Maria di Loreto stands out, founded in 1592 by the Friars Minor Observant. This monastery hosted Cardinal Orsini, who later became Pope Benedict XIII. The Church of the Santissimo Salvatore instead preserves the “Madonna del Rosario”, a wooden work by Carmine Latessa from 1719. The bell tower and the base of the church reveal the ancient castle structure.
Outside the town, near the Tappino stream, there is the Ponte di Toro, a fascinating example of medieval architecture with the characteristic “donkey’s back” shape.
Toro is known for two popular traditions: the festival in honor of the patron saint San Mercurio and the Fuochi di Sant’Antonio. This last celebration sees the various neighborhoods set up large bonfires with a doll on top. Around the fires, the inhabitants organize banquets open to all, in an atmosphere of sharing and celebration.