Vinchiaturo, a picturesque village located between Campobasso and the Matese mountain range, presents itself as a place rich in history and traditions. Its name, deriving from the Latin “vincula catenis” (prison with chains), suggests ancient origins linked to the ancient Samnite city of Ruffirio, a place known for its construction and artisan activities, located on a steep limestone rise.
After a period of decline following the Samnite wars, Vinchiaturo re-emerges in historical documents around the year 1000, becoming part of the domains of the Counts of Molise until 1449, subsequently passing between various noble families, including the Longo, who retained the title of Marquises until the 19th century.
Among the places of interest, the Chiesa Madre della Santa Croce stands out, an example of Romanesque architecture with a four-story bell tower. The church is flanked by other important religious structures, such as the Church of San Bernardino, known for its finely crafted portal, and the Church of Purgatory, dating back to the 18th century, with a baroque portal from a suppressed convent. A few kilometers from the center, the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Macchie, built on the ruins of an ancient Benedictine monastery, houses a 14th-century statue of the Virgin.
At an altitude of one thousand meters, in the Monteverde area, is the Church of Santa Maria di Monteverde, originally a Benedictine monastery, shared with the municipality of Mirabello Sannitico. Other significant monuments include the Fountain of the Four Lions, the Monument of the Emigrant and the Convent of Santa Lucia. In addition, the mountain lake offers a relaxation area surrounded by nature with a view of the Matese mountain range.
Local festivities are very heartfelt. Every year, on May 19 and 20, the patron saint, San Bernardino da Siena, is celebrated, while on January 17, Sant’Antonio Abate is celebrated with the blessing of the animals and the lighting of “lu laute”, a pile of wood. During Carnival, the game of “la pezza de casce” takes place, a competition between teams that compete for a form of cheese weighing about 30 kilos. The gastronomy of Vinchiaturo is rich in typical dishes, such as “pantoccia fritta” (pasta with bacon), “ri vruccheluni” (broccoli sautéed in a pan) and “la mpanicce” (yellow flour pizza with vegetables), which further enrich the cultural experience of the place.