Cercemaggiore

È it is possible to tell the story of a place through its stones, buildings, streets and traditions. This is the fascinating village of Cercemaggiore, the highest elevation town in the province of Campobasso, also known as the “Sentinel of the Samnites”.

Located in the heart of Sannio and surmounted by the majestic castle at its highest point, Cercemaggiore rises at the foot of Mount Santa Maria. The surrounding area, characterised by wooded and mountainous slopes, offers breathtaking views rich in history.

Jumping back in time: The history of Cercemaggiore

The historical roots of Cercemaggiore date back to the 4th century B.C., when the Samnites settled in the area, as can be guessed from the discovery of an imposing agricultural centre of the time and the ruders of a Samnite defensive stronghold.

Traces of the past, especially from the Middle Ages, can be found throughout the village and its surroundings. For instance, the hamlet of Caselvatica, with its tower and hovels; Rocca, the remains of a church dating back to before the year 1000; or the 16th-century convent, with the adjacent Church of Santa Maria della Libera, which houses a valuable 14th-century statue of the Madonna.

In the upper part of the village, then, stands the seventeenth-century castle, once under the control of the Carafa and Doria families. This castle, built as a fortress, over the years took on the appearance of a noble residence. Evidence of this change includes the ancient stables, the barrel-vaulted cellar, and the marquis’ four-poster bed, with a ceiling painted by Falocco in 1752.

Culture and Monuments: A journey among the stones of Cercemaggiore

There are numerous buildings and churches to visit in Cercemaggiore. The town centre is dominated by the 13th century Church of the Assumption: a majestic bare stone building with a beautiful late Romanesque portal. Further down stands the Church of Santa Maria della Croce, built according to tradition in 1261, whose first phase dates back to Norman times.

The works preserved in these sacred places include frescoes from the 17th century, paintings from the 1600s and 1700s (including three by Brunetti), an organ from 1735, wooden statues, silver reliquaries, altars and marble balustrades.

The Natural Beauties of Cercemaggiore

For nature lovers, the Cercemaggiore area offers caves, wooded plateaus and cliffs. Hidden on the slopes of the Matese are the beautiful and mysterious Grotte delle Fate, ready to be explored by the more adventurous.