Tavenna stands among the hills between the Trigno and Biferno rivers, overlooking the Adriatic and the mountains of Abruzzo. The town represents a transition point between the Molise hinterland, with the municipalities of Croatian minority (Acquaviva Collecroce, San Felice del Molise and Montemitro), and the coast.
The name has ancient origins: Tavela in Slavic language, Casal Taverna in 1608 and Casal di Tabenna in 1656. Its foundation dates back to the Aragonese era, after 1354, when a colony of Slavic-Croats settled in the territory. Unlike other nearby towns, Tavenna has lost its Slavic language and traditions.
Before this colonization, the area was inhabited by small settlements. On the slopes of Montelateglia, north of the town, stood the chapel of Santa Maria in Basilica, witness to an ancient Osco-Samnite presence.
In the Middle Ages, Montelateglia was home to a Benedictine monastery, refounded in the 11th century after being destroyed by an earthquake. In the following centuries, the village was depopulated until it disappeared in the 15th century. The church of Montelateglia, rebuilt several times, was destroyed by the German rearguard on 23 October 1943 to prevent its use by the Allies.
The most significant building in Tavenna is the church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, built between 1770 and 1773. The 18th-century façade leads to an interior decorated with stucco. Other places of worship are the sanctuary of the Incoronata, with a valuable carved wooden choir, and the church of San Nicola di Bari, dating back to the end of the 19th century.
The main religious holidays include the celebration of the patron saint San Giorgio and that of May in honor of San Nicola. In September, the market fair and meat festival of Sant’Irene are held, where a typical dish is prepared: Sant’Irene-style sheep meat, slowly cooked for over three hours.
The local gastronomy offers specialties such as ventricina, a typical sausage, and traditional desserts such as li paste, lu ciell and lu tarall, prepared for weddings. Among the liqueurs, the “amaro Montelateglia” stands out.
Tavenna, with its rich history and traditions, represents a small but fascinating corner of Molise, where culture, religion and gastronomy are harmoniously intertwined.