Capracotta, Province of Isernia, Molise

In a highly panoramic position, this is one of the highest municipalities in Italy and a renowned skiing facility.

Info

Altitude: 1421 m a.s.l
Territory: mountainous
Population: about 800 inhabitants in 2017
Zip/postal code: 86082
Dialing Area Code: +39 0865
Patron Saint: St. Sebastiano celebrated on 20 January.

History - Antiquity

The area was inhabited since pre-Roman times, as documented by a bronze plate with an inscription in the ancient language of the Caraceni. The piece, now in the British Museum, was found near the Romito Mountain. Fortified structures going back to Samnite times, were found on the Monte Cavallerizzo.

History - the Middle Ages and Modern Times

In Norman times Capracotta was at first a feifdom of the Borrello family, then under the Angevin domination its lord was Francesco della Posta (1269). In the 14th century it was under the Carafa family, in the 15th under the Evoli and in the 17th passed to the Cantelmo. The last lords were the Capece-Piscicelli and Mariangela De Riso was the the wife of Don Carlo Capece Piscicelli. In 1839 their daughter Beatrice (21-11-1781 to 25-4-1859) became the 8th Duchess of Capracotta, married Giacomo Piromallo and their son Nobile Giuseppe (Messina 6th July 1808 - San Sebastiano al Vesuvio 25 Oct 1882) joined the three names Piromallo Capece Piscicelli. There was a massive destruction during the Second World War.

What to see

Remains of a round tower, formarly included in the city walls.
The church of Santa Maria Assunta, with an elegant baptismal fountain and rich organ in gilted wood.
Poggio dei Grilli, a mountain top near the town with a wide view to the Sangro Valley, The Mainarde; the Majella and the Adriatic.
The small church of Madonna di Loreto, 1 km away from the town, hosts a beautiful "visitazione" painting by Giacomo Colombo from Naples, of the late 17th century.
Prato Gentile, 2 km.
Pescobertino, 4 km, with giant monoliths.
Monte Cavallerizzia, with remains of cyclopic walls.

Events and Festivities

The most popular event is the "Pezzata" festival on the first Sunday in August, taking place against the wonderful natural scenery of Prato Gentile (over 500 ft above sea level), where people enjoy the local dishes of roasted lamb and goat, while dancing and singing.
Every three years, on September 8th, there is an impressive procession with horse-riders at night to the church of Madonna di Loreto.

ItalyHeritage on Facebook

Italian Genealogy

Family History

Need help in your research?
Contact us with details and priorities.

Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Surnames in the Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Info on Italian Regions