Nestled in the countryside of Morrone del Sannio, the Convent of San Nazario is one of the oldest and most fascinating religious complexes in Molise. Founded in 1410, probably thanks to the contribution of local benefactors, it is still a living testimony of the Franciscan presence in the region.
The original structure included a single-aisle church, flanked by a convent with twenty-four cells arranged around a rectangular cloister. Over the centuries the complex has undergone modifications and restorations, but it has retained its essential plant and its spiritual value.
Originally there were seven friars and seven novices engaged in the work of bookbinding and caring for the community. Their presence represented a religious and economic reference point for the whole area. A curious local legend tells that, during the construction of the convent, an epidemic of rabies hit the animals of the territory. San Nazario would have suggested offering them pieces of bread as a cure. From this story was born the tradition of the distribution of “blessed bread”, now almost completely disappeared.
Documents from 1593 testify to the presence of eight religious, supported by the tithes of the peasants in the area. Although some sources attribute the foundation of the convent to the noble Carafa family, their rule over the area only began in 1556, making it unlikely that they had any original involvement.
The convent, closed for a long time, has suffered damage and looting but has recently been reopened and made partially usable, although restoration work is still underway. Worthy of note is the presence of an elegant altar in marble and a canvas of unknown author, probably from Lupara.
Today, the convent of San Nazario is not only an important place of worship, but also a valuable testimony to the historical memory and spiritual traditions of the territory of Molise.