Venafro
Encyclopedia
Venafro is a comune
in the province of Isernia
, region of Molise
, Italy
. It has a population of around 12,000, having expanded quickly in the post-war
period.
and San Bartolomeo rivers whose sources are located in the center of the Venafro plain. Other notable mountains are: Monte Sambucaro (1205 m.), Monte Cesima (1180 m.), Monte Corno (1054 m.), Monte Santa Croce or Cerino (1026 mt), Colle San Domenico (921 m).
Once a part of the province of Terra di Lavoro
in Campania
(territory with which it is still culturally linked), the city is now known as the door of Molise
and is of major importance to the socio-economic dynamics of the province due to its highly developed economy, and is considered of the four central industrial cores in the region.
, child of Tydeus
and Deipyle
, characters in Greek mythology
, the ancient name of Venafrum derives from Samnite
sources.
On the plain, there have been found numerous findings that suggest the existence of human settlements in prehistoric times. The only occasion on which Venafrum figures prominently in history is during the Social War
, 88 BCE, when it was betrayed into the hands of the Samnite leader Marius Egnatius, and two Roman cohorts that formed the garrison were put to the sword. Lucius Cornelius Sulla
razed settlements around present day Venafro. In January 49 BC, Pompey
, coming from Theano
, camped nearby. Cicero
more than once alludes to the great fertile ground of the territory, that the tribune Rullus proposed by his agrarian law to divide among the Roman citizens. This project proved abortive, but a colony
(Cologne Augusta Julia Venafrum) was planted at Venafrum under Augustus
, and the city continued henceforth to bear the title of Colonia, which is found both in Pliny and in inscriptions. In the Augustan era, much attention was given to the aqueduct
(Rivus Venafranus) that carried water of the Volturno river from Rocchetta a Volturno
. Mentioned by Horace
as a resort, renowned for its amenities, Pliny the Elder
also speaks of the waters located there. In Roman times the economy developed a renowned olive oil
industry which according to legend was brought by Licinius
. When the Romans brought Christianity to the Apennine
Plains, a bishopric
for the Roman Catholic church was established in the 5th century.
, which clashed with the Lombards
of the Principality of Benevento. After the dark period of the Middle Ages
, which saw Venafro sinking into poverty and disease in later centuries the city enjoyed an era of expansion and prosperity, with numerous churches and palaces dating from that era that changed the face of the city. Feudal families that reigned over Venafro were the Savelli, Peretti
, and the Caracciolo
of Miranda, Italy
.
, Filignano
, San Pietro Infine
) of bitter fighting between the Germans
, entrenched in the mountains to the north and the British
– French
– U.S. along the Gustav Line, during the Battle of Monte Cassino
. Mistaken for Monte Cassino, Venafro was hit hard by aerial bombing on March 15, 1944.
Venafro until 1863 was included in the territory of the Terra di Lavoro
(currently the province of Caserta
), until the establishment of the province of Campobasso
was annexed to that territory, and then got incorporated into the Molise region. In 1970, it was incorporated into the newly formed province of Isernia
, despite controversy and often violent protests that favored to remain part of the province of Caserta.
In the spring of 1984, the city was severely damaged by the earthquake originating in the nearby Valle di Comino, in the province of Frosinone
. In 1987, the city was named by Censis (Centro Studi Sociali Investments, an institute of socio-economic research), one of the 100 municipalities of the "Great Little Italy." Since 1994, its been a member of the ANCO (National Association of (Olive) Oil Citys). On April 25, 2005 Venafro was awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valor from the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi
, for its valor during the air bombardment it suffered during World War II
.
who built it on an older fortification in the 10th century. In the 14th century it was expanded with the addition of three circular towers, and was transformed in the 15th century by adding a moat
. Frescoes depicting horses, commissioned by Count Enrico Pandone, were added during the Renaissance
. Currently, the halls of this castle have hosted an art gallery in which paintings are collected from several different churches abandoned or closed in Venafro.
, is a theater of considerable size and presents a scaenae frons
of about 60 m, with an auditorium
capable of hosting 3,500 spectators. After a series of archaeological excavations and interventions to bring it to light, this monument is pared with the nearby odeon
.
, the walled city of the Samnites dating from the 4th century BC and one polygonal Samnite structure of the 1st century BC. Of Roman origin is the "Torricella", a fortified structure recently restored to its former glory.
Other monuments include "Market Tower" (Palazzo Caracciolo), a defensive structure with its massive medieval battlements, in defense of that which once corresponded to the eastern gate of Venafro, and the Palazzo Libertina of the 20th century, which served as a hydroelectric plant to provide power to the town.
of the city is situated at the foot of Parco Oraziano. Dating from the 5th century, it was built under Bishop Constantine in the place where for centuries there was a pagan temple. It is adorned with materials from other monuments of earlier eras (Roman elements, Christian decorations, and Bishop Pietro di Ravenna’s bas-relief which is called "March Settecappotti"). The interior has three naves
decorated with paintings from the 14th century. The current appearance is due to renovation works dating back to the 1960s and 1970s which have replacing the ancient Baroque
style, bringing the back sacred aspects of the Gothic
and Medieval
eras. At the end of 1600 the "cappellone" was built; a chapel in which to administer the sacraments.
built in the 14th century, and has been repeatedly amended over time. It was built with material from a nearby Roman theater and had a gable
d façade
. Over the centuries it underwent a major restoration and the church assumed its present Baroque appearance. The single nave interior preserves a crucifix
of the 14th century. In a lateral niche is the silver bust of St. Nicandro with a some relics of martyrs. The church also has a large frescoed dome, visible from every point of the city.
, the Church was built on Roman ruins, that were partly used in the construction. The church has repeatedly changed and was restored in 2001. It features two naves and retains an altar
in wood marquetry
and pyrography
. Under the altar is the crypt the tomb of St. Nicandro was discovered, a spring called "Manna
of St. Nicandro" also appears in the crypt.
cornice
s and capitals
. There are several paintings and at the top of the nave in special niche
s are the statues of Four Evangelists
. The church has two small domes with no windows, and a Baroque bell-tower, looking similar to the Church of the Annunciation. The facade has a large window and is preceded by a staircase.
of Venafro" by Antonine (2nd century AD), two large statues of men who are identified as Augustus
and Tiberius
, and the great memorial or "Tavola Acquaria" where the regulations designed to regulate the use (edict of Augustus) of the Roman aqueduct during the Augustan age.
, Algerian
, Tunisian
and Senegalese, who fell in large part during the Battle of Monte Cassino
. A monument was erected that refers explicitly to the North African minarets
decorated with ceramic tiles of blue, set against the whitewashed walls, and some inscriptions. Inside, there are tombs of the Unknown Soldier dedicated to soldiers: one Tunisian, one Algerian, and one Moroccan. All the tombs are arranged on the north-east south-west, with the gravestones facing north-east, with the exception of some graves, located behind the section of Jewish soldiers and animists. On each plaque by the name (if known) are the words (in French) "died for France".
is a man-made wildlife preserve. The approximately 32 acres (129,499.5 m²) of property, have been entrusted to World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF) Italy. Situated along the short stretch of the Volturno River, which marks the border between Molise and Campania, The Mortine Oasis
occupies an artificial waterway created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The set of aquatic habitats are surrounded by a hygrophilous (willows, poplars, alders) forest. The lake and the woods are habitat for diverse aquatic fauna
and waterfowl.
s of the city are martyrs Nicandro, Marciano, and Daria (Daria consort of Nicandro) which are also the patrons of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Isernia-Venafro
, whose feast occurs on June 17. The festival originated during an earthquake
that struck the city in 1688, but the town escaped serious damage or casualties. The population bestowed an annual festival of thanksgiving on the first Sunday of June, to honor of their saints in gratitude of escaping harm
Also, a bust was made of St. Nicandro in silver, later stolen and replaced by an identical copy, which is carried in procession during the festival. In 1933, under the high altar of the church of St. Nicandro the remains of the saint was found in a grave, from which originates the "Holy Manna" (spring water) at fixed intervals, so the crypt of the church has become a pilgrimage
destination.
Currently, the holiday begins on May 17 (Sant N'candriegl) with the month dedicated to the saints, with a procession
and return to the church of the convent of St. Nicandro. The real party, one of the greatest attractions of the region, is celebrated by June 16 to18 with performances and processions, and attracts thousands of faithful and tourists even outside the region. On June 16 there is a procession in the evening with a bust of St. Nicandro and relics from the church of the saint, followed by the solemn vespers
presided by the bishop and the clergy. The sacred and venerated icons remain at the church for all the festivities. On the evening of the 16th there is a band concert in Market Square. On June 17, is the pontifical mass, involving the bishop and civil and religious leaders. During this ceremony, the mayor delivers keys of the city, symbolizing the protection of the people to patron saints. In the evening there is a concert in the square generally with a nationally known singer. The festival culminates with an impressive procession on the 18th, followed by thousands of people, in which the statues of three saints are carried from the church of St. Nicandro to that of the Annunciation.
Other festivals include:
it is still active. Venafro has obtained the status of "Oil City", and boasts a native species of olive, Aurino. Engineering, manufacturing, construction, detergents, agricultural and food products industries also make up Venafro’s economy. Tourism
remains underdeveloped despite artistic, architectural, historical and cultural items that Venafro has to offer.
motorway interchange with Molise and Campania; SS6 Casilina, linking with Lazio and Molise San Vittore del Lazio
motorway. Finally, the municipality is crossed by the Vairano-Isernia
railway.
Comune
In Italy, the comune is the basic administrative division, and may be properly approximated in casual speech by the English word township or municipality.-Importance and function:...
in the province of Isernia
Province of Isernia
The Province of Isernia is a province in the Molise region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Isernia....
, region of Molise
Molise
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise and now a separate entity...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. It has a population of around 12,000, having expanded quickly in the post-war
Post-war
A post-war period or postwar period is the interval immediately following the ending of a war and enduring as long as war does not resume. A post-war period can become an interwar period or interbellum when a war between the same parties resumes at a later date...
period.
Geography
Situated at the foot of Mount Santa Croce (1.026 m above sea level), at a height of 222 meters above sea level, the height of the municipal territory varies from 158 to 1205 m above sea level. The municipality stretches along the homonymous plain crossed by the VolturnoVolturno
The Volturno is a river in south-central Italy.-Geography:It rises in the Abruzzese central Apennines of Samnium near Rocchetta a Volturno and flows southeast as far as its junction with the Calore River near Caiazzo and runs south as far as Venafro, and then turns southwest, past Capua, to...
and San Bartolomeo rivers whose sources are located in the center of the Venafro plain. Other notable mountains are: Monte Sambucaro (1205 m.), Monte Cesima (1180 m.), Monte Corno (1054 m.), Monte Santa Croce or Cerino (1026 mt), Colle San Domenico (921 m).
Once a part of the province of Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro is the name of a historical region of southern Italy. It corresponds roughy to the modern southern Lazio and northern Campania regions of Italy....
in Campania
Campania
Campania is a region in southern Italy. The region has a population of around 5.8 million people, making it the second-most-populous region of Italy; its total area of 13,590 km² makes it the most densely populated region in the country...
(territory with which it is still culturally linked), the city is now known as the door of Molise
Molise
Molise is a region of Southern Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise and now a separate entity...
and is of major importance to the socio-economic dynamics of the province due to its highly developed economy, and is considered of the four central industrial cores in the region.
Climate
Venafro since ancient times is known for its mild climate. Winter is quite cold with rain, snow rarely leads to modest accumulations; frosts are common (absolute minimum temperature in the last ten years: - 6.4 °C in 2005). The intermediate seasons are milder but with frequent precipitation. Summer is very hot with temperatures often reaching 30 °C (the absolute maximum temperature of the last ten years is about 37.6 °C in 2007). This fairly mild climate derives from being in an exposed southern plain closed from the mountains; but in periods of high pressure thermal excursions temperatures may vary 15 to 20 °C between day and night.Ancient era
Although its founding is attributed to DiomedesDiomedes
Diomedes or Diomed is a hero in Greek mythology, known for his participation in the Trojan War.He was born to Tydeus and Deipyle and later became King of Argos, succeeding his maternal grandfather, Adrastus. In Homer's Iliad Diomedes is regarded alongside Ajax as one of the best warriors of all...
, child of Tydeus
Tydeus
In Greek mythology, Tydeus was an Aeolian hero of the generation before the Trojan War. He was one of the Seven Against Thebes and was mortally wounded by Melanippus before the walls of the city. The goddess Athena had planned to make him immortal but refused after Tydeus in a rage devoured the...
and Deipyle
Deipyle
In Greek mythology, Deipyle was the daughter of Adrastus and Amphithea, wife of Tydeus and mother of Diomedes. Her sister Argea married Polynices.-External links:*...
, characters in Greek mythology
Greek mythology
Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece...
, the ancient name of Venafrum derives from Samnite
Samnium
Samnium is a Latin exonym for a region of south or south and central Italy in Roman times. The name survives in Italian today, but today's territory comprising it is only a small portion of what it once was. The populations of Samnium were called Samnites by the Romans...
sources.
On the plain, there have been found numerous findings that suggest the existence of human settlements in prehistoric times. The only occasion on which Venafrum figures prominently in history is during the Social War
Social War
The Allied War was a war waged from 91 to 88 BC between the Roman Republic and several of the other cities in Italy, which prior to the war had been Roman allies for centuries.-Origins:The Early Italian campaigns saw the Roman conquest of Italy...
, 88 BCE, when it was betrayed into the hands of the Samnite leader Marius Egnatius, and two Roman cohorts that formed the garrison were put to the sword. Lucius Cornelius Sulla
Lucius Cornelius Sulla
Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix , known commonly as Sulla, was a Roman general and statesman. He had the rare distinction of holding the office of consul twice, as well as that of dictator...
razed settlements around present day Venafro. In January 49 BC, Pompey
Pompey
Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey or Pompey the Great , was a military and political leader of the late Roman Republic...
, coming from Theano
Theano
Theano was the priestess of Athena in Troy. She was the daughter of the Thracian king Cisseus and Telecleia, wife of Antenor, and mother of many sons and a daughter Crino. The household of Antenor and Theano advocated peace and advised Helen's return to the Greeks. Because of their support , the...
, camped nearby. Cicero
Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero , was a Roman philosopher, statesman, lawyer, political theorist, and Roman constitutionalist. He came from a wealthy municipal family of the equestrian order, and is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists.He introduced the Romans to the chief...
more than once alludes to the great fertile ground of the territory, that the tribune Rullus proposed by his agrarian law to divide among the Roman citizens. This project proved abortive, but a colony
Colony
In politics and history, a colony is a territory under the immediate political control of a state. For colonies in antiquity, city-states would often found their own colonies. Some colonies were historically countries, while others were territories without definite statehood from their inception....
(Cologne Augusta Julia Venafrum) was planted at Venafrum under Augustus
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
, and the city continued henceforth to bear the title of Colonia, which is found both in Pliny and in inscriptions. In the Augustan era, much attention was given to the aqueduct
Aqueduct
An aqueduct is a water supply or navigable channel constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose....
(Rivus Venafranus) that carried water of the Volturno river from Rocchetta a Volturno
Rocchetta a Volturno
Rocchetta a Volturno is a comune in the Province of Isernia in the Italian region Molise, located about 50 km west of Campobasso and about 13 km west of Isernia...
. Mentioned by Horace
Horace
Quintus Horatius Flaccus , known in the English-speaking world as Horace, was the leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Augustus.-Life:...
as a resort, renowned for its amenities, Pliny the Elder
Pliny the Elder
Gaius Plinius Secundus , better known as Pliny the Elder, was a Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher, as well as naval and army commander of the early Roman Empire, and personal friend of the emperor Vespasian...
also speaks of the waters located there. In Roman times the economy developed a renowned olive oil
Olive oil
Olive oil is an oil obtained from the olive , a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps...
industry which according to legend was brought by Licinius
Licinius
Licinius I , was Roman Emperor from 308 to 324. Co-author of the Edict of Milan that granted official toleration to Christians in the Roman Empire, for the majority of his reign he was the rival of Constantine I...
. When the Romans brought Christianity to the Apennine
Apennine
-Other places on Earth:*The Apennine or Italian peninsula*Apennins, a department of the first French Empire-Plants and animals:*The Apennine , a modern breed of domestic sheep.*Apennine Shrew, an insectivore endemic to Italy...
Plains, a bishopric
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
for the Roman Catholic church was established in the 5th century.
Middle Ages
Between 774 and 787 the Venafro plain was crossed by the troops of CharlemagneCharlemagne
Charlemagne was King of the Franks from 768 and Emperor of the Romans from 800 to his death in 814. He expanded the Frankish kingdom into an empire that incorporated much of Western and Central Europe. During his reign, he conquered Italy and was crowned by Pope Leo III on 25 December 800...
, which clashed with the Lombards
Lombards
The Lombards , also referred to as Longobards, were a Germanic tribe of Scandinavian origin, who from 568 to 774 ruled a Kingdom in Italy...
of the Principality of Benevento. After the dark period of the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
, which saw Venafro sinking into poverty and disease in later centuries the city enjoyed an era of expansion and prosperity, with numerous churches and palaces dating from that era that changed the face of the city. Feudal families that reigned over Venafro were the Savelli, Peretti
Peretti
Peretti is an Italian or Corsican surname which may refer to :* Alessandro Peretti di Montalto , an Italian Roman Catholic Cardinal Deacon.* Achille Peretti , a French politician.* Chelsea Peretti, an American writer and comedian....
, and the Caracciolo
Caracciolo
Caracciolo is the surname of a famous noble family of southern Italy.Its members include:*Battistello Caracciolo, Italian painter*Carmine Nicolao Caracciolo, Spanish viceroy of Peru*Francesco Caracciolo, Neapolitan admiral and revolutionist...
of Miranda, Italy
Miranda, Italy
Miranda is a comune in the Province of Isernia in the Italian region Molise, located about 35 km northwest of Campobasso and about 6 km north of Isernia...
.
Modern era
From autumn 1943 to spring of 1944 Venafro was the scene (along with PozzilliPozzilli
Pozzilli is a comune in the Province of Isernia in the Italian region Molise, located about 50 km west of Campobasso and about 15 km southwest of Isernia...
, Filignano
Filignano
Filignano is a comune in the Province of Isernia in the Italian region Molise, located about 50 km west of Campobasso and about 15 km southwest of Isernia...
, San Pietro Infine
San Pietro Infine
San Pietro Infine is a comune in the Province of Caserta in the Italian region Campania, located about northwest of Naples and about northwest of Caserta...
) of bitter fighting between the Germans
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, entrenched in the mountains to the north and the British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
– French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
– U.S. along the Gustav Line, during the Battle of Monte Cassino
Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies against Germans and Italians with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome.In the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was being anchored by Germans...
. Mistaken for Monte Cassino, Venafro was hit hard by aerial bombing on March 15, 1944.
Venafro until 1863 was included in the territory of the Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro
Terra di Lavoro is the name of a historical region of southern Italy. It corresponds roughy to the modern southern Lazio and northern Campania regions of Italy....
(currently the province of Caserta
Caserta
Caserta is the capital of the province of Caserta in the Campania region of Italy. It is an important agricultural, commercial and industrial comune and city. Caserta is located on the edge of the Campanian plain at the foot of the Campanian Subapennine mountain range...
), until the establishment of the province of Campobasso
Campobasso
-Main sights:The main attraction of Campobasso is the Castello Monforte, built in 1450 by the local ruler Nicola II Monforte, over Lombard or Norman ruins. The castle has Guelph merlons and stands on a commanding point, where traces of ancient settlements have been found...
was annexed to that territory, and then got incorporated into the Molise region. In 1970, it was incorporated into the newly formed province of Isernia
Isernia
Isernia Isernia Isernia (Latin: Aesernia or, in Pliny and later writers, Eserninus, or in the Antonine Itinerary, Serni is a town and comune in the central Italian region of Molise, and the capital of Isernia province.- Geography :...
, despite controversy and often violent protests that favored to remain part of the province of Caserta.
In the spring of 1984, the city was severely damaged by the earthquake originating in the nearby Valle di Comino, in the province of Frosinone
Frosinone
Frosinone is a town and comune in Lazio, central Italy, the administrative seat of the Province of Frosinone. It is located about 75 km south-east of Rome close to the Rome-Naples Autostrada A1...
. In 1987, the city was named by Censis (Centro Studi Sociali Investments, an institute of socio-economic research), one of the 100 municipalities of the "Great Little Italy." Since 1994, its been a member of the ANCO (National Association of (Olive) Oil Citys). On April 25, 2005 Venafro was awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valor from the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi
Carlo Azeglio Ciampi
dr. Carlo Azeglio Ciampi is an Italian politician and banker. He was the 73rd Prime Minister of Italy from 1993 to 1994 and was the tenth President of the Italian Republic from 1999 to 2006...
, for its valor during the air bombardment it suffered during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Main sights
Venafro can be divided into two distinct areas: the old town, of Roman origin, enclosed by walls and dominated by Castle Pandone, and new town that has several newly developed neighborhoods.Historic Center
The old town was built on the existing Roman urban structure. The upper floors of buildings are residences, while the lower floor of the premises are used as shops.Castle Pandone
Built in the highest part of the city, it derives its name from the LombardsLombards
The Lombards , also referred to as Longobards, were a Germanic tribe of Scandinavian origin, who from 568 to 774 ruled a Kingdom in Italy...
who built it on an older fortification in the 10th century. In the 14th century it was expanded with the addition of three circular towers, and was transformed in the 15th century by adding a moat
Moat
A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, other building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices...
. Frescoes depicting horses, commissioned by Count Enrico Pandone, were added during the Renaissance
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a cultural movement that spanned roughly the 14th to the 17th century, beginning in Italy in the Late Middle Ages and later spreading to the rest of Europe. The term is also used more loosely to refer to the historical era, but since the changes of the Renaissance were not...
. Currently, the halls of this castle have hosted an art gallery in which paintings are collected from several different churches abandoned or closed in Venafro.
Verlasce Roman Amphitheater
Located in the center of modern Venafro and despite development overlap are the still visible remains of the Roman elliptical amphitheater. It is believed that the stands could hold up to 15,000 spectators. Until some time ago, this structure housed stables and stores of agricultural tools.The Roman Theater
On the Decumanus MaximusDecumanus Maximus
In Roman city planning, a decumanus was an east-west-oriented road in a Roman city, castra , or colonia. The main decumanus was the Decumanus Maximus, which normally connected the Porta Praetoria to the Porta Decumana .This name comes from the fact that the via decumana or decimana In Roman city...
, is a theater of considerable size and presents a scaenae frons
Scaenae frons
The scaenae frons is the elaborately decorated background of a Roman theatre stage. This area usually has several entrances to the stage including a grand central entrance. The scaenae frons is two or sometime three stories in height and was central to the theatre's visual impact for this was what...
of about 60 m, with an auditorium
Auditorium
An auditorium is a room built to enable an audience to hear and watch performances at venues such as theatres. For movie theaters, the number of auditoriums is expressed as the number of screens.- Etymology :...
capable of hosting 3,500 spectators. After a series of archaeological excavations and interventions to bring it to light, this monument is pared with the nearby odeon
Odeon
Odea, Odeon, or Odeum may refer to:* Odeon , ancient Greek and Roman buildings built for singing exercises, musical shows and poetry competitions-Modern era:* Cineplex Odeon, North America...
.
Other Samnite, Roman and medieval remains.
In the town center are visible traces of a Roman aqueductAqueduct
An aqueduct is a water supply or navigable channel constructed to convey water. In modern engineering, the term is used for any system of pipes, ditches, canals, tunnels, and other structures used for this purpose....
, the walled city of the Samnites dating from the 4th century BC and one polygonal Samnite structure of the 1st century BC. Of Roman origin is the "Torricella", a fortified structure recently restored to its former glory.
Other monuments include "Market Tower" (Palazzo Caracciolo), a defensive structure with its massive medieval battlements, in defense of that which once corresponded to the eastern gate of Venafro, and the Palazzo Libertina of the 20th century, which served as a hydroelectric plant to provide power to the town.
Churches
Due to a large number of churches in the area Venafro was given the nickname "The city of 33 churches." These are many churches of various sizes and ages in the historic center and in the foothills area. Unfortunately, many places of worship are now closed and abandoned.The Cathedral
The greatest cathedralCathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
of the city is situated at the foot of Parco Oraziano. Dating from the 5th century, it was built under Bishop Constantine in the place where for centuries there was a pagan temple. It is adorned with materials from other monuments of earlier eras (Roman elements, Christian decorations, and Bishop Pietro di Ravenna’s bas-relief which is called "March Settecappotti"). The interior has three naves
Navès
Navès is a commune in the Tarn department in southern France.-Geography:The Thoré forms most of the commune's north-eastern border, then flows into the Agout, which forms part of its northern border.-References:*...
decorated with paintings from the 14th century. The current appearance is due to renovation works dating back to the 1960s and 1970s which have replacing the ancient Baroque
Baroque architecture
Baroque architecture is a term used to describe the building style of the Baroque era, begun in late sixteenth century Italy, that took the Roman vocabulary of Renaissance architecture and used it in a new rhetorical and theatrical fashion, often to express the triumph of the Catholic Church and...
style, bringing the back sacred aspects of the Gothic
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture is a style of architecture that flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture....
and Medieval
Medieval architecture
Medieval architecture is a term used to represent various forms of architecture common in Medieval Europe.-Characteristics:-Religious architecture:...
eras. At the end of 1600 the "cappellone" was built; a chapel in which to administer the sacraments.
The Church of the Annunciation
The church is an example of Baroque architectureBaroque architecture
Baroque architecture is a term used to describe the building style of the Baroque era, begun in late sixteenth century Italy, that took the Roman vocabulary of Renaissance architecture and used it in a new rhetorical and theatrical fashion, often to express the triumph of the Catholic Church and...
built in the 14th century, and has been repeatedly amended over time. It was built with material from a nearby Roman theater and had a gable
Gable
A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system being used and aesthetic concerns. Thus the type of roof enclosing the volume dictates the shape of the gable...
d façade
Facade
A facade or façade is generally one exterior side of a building, usually, but not always, the front. The word comes from the French language, literally meaning "frontage" or "face"....
. Over the centuries it underwent a major restoration and the church assumed its present Baroque appearance. The single nave interior preserves a crucifix
Crucifix
A crucifix is an independent image of Jesus on the cross with a representation of Jesus' body, referred to in English as the corpus , as distinct from a cross with no body....
of the 14th century. In a lateral niche is the silver bust of St. Nicandro with a some relics of martyrs. The church also has a large frescoed dome, visible from every point of the city.
The church and convent of St. Nicandro
On the eastern outskirts of the city on the road to IserniaIsernia
Isernia Isernia Isernia (Latin: Aesernia or, in Pliny and later writers, Eserninus, or in the Antonine Itinerary, Serni is a town and comune in the central Italian region of Molise, and the capital of Isernia province.- Geography :...
, the Church was built on Roman ruins, that were partly used in the construction. The church has repeatedly changed and was restored in 2001. It features two naves and retains an altar
Altar
An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices are made for religious purposes. Altars are usually found at shrines, and they can be located in temples, churches and other places of worship...
in wood marquetry
Marquetry
Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. The technique may be applied to case furniture or even seat furniture, to decorative small objects with smooth, veneerable surfaces or to freestanding pictorial panels...
and pyrography
Pyrography
Pyrography is the art of decorating wood or other materials with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object such as a poker. It is also known as pokerwork or wood burning....
. Under the altar is the crypt the tomb of St. Nicandro was discovered, a spring called "Manna
Manna
Manna or Manna wa Salwa , sometimes or archaically spelled mana, is the name of an edible substance that God provided for the Israelites during their travels in the desert according to the Bible.It was said to be sweet to the taste, like honey....
of St. Nicandro" also appears in the crypt.
The church of the Last Sacrament called "Christ"
The church located on Via Cavour was built in the second half of the 16th century and expanded, taking the present form in the second half of the 17th century. The church has a single aisle and presents stuccoStucco
Stucco or render is a material made of an aggregate, a binder, and water. Stucco is applied wet and hardens to a very dense solid. It is used as decorative coating for walls and ceilings and as a sculptural and artistic material in architecture...
cornice
Cornice
Cornice molding is generally any horizontal decorative molding that crowns any building or furniture element: the cornice over a door or window, for instance, or the cornice around the edge of a pedestal. A simple cornice may be formed just with a crown molding.The function of the projecting...
s and capitals
Capital (architecture)
In architecture the capital forms the topmost member of a column . It mediates between the column and the load thrusting down upon it, broadening the area of the column's supporting surface...
. There are several paintings and at the top of the nave in special niche
Niche (architecture)
A niche in classical architecture is an exedra or an apse that has been reduced in size, retaining the half-dome heading usual for an apse. Nero's Domus Aurea was the first semi-private dwelling that possessed rooms that were given richly varied floor plans, shaped with niches and exedras;...
s are the statues of Four Evangelists
Four Evangelists
In Christian tradition the Four Evangelists are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors attributed with the creation of the four Gospel accounts in the New Testament that bear the following titles:*Gospel according to Matthew*Gospel according to Mark...
. The church has two small domes with no windows, and a Baroque bell-tower, looking similar to the Church of the Annunciation. The facade has a large window and is preceded by a staircase.
The National Archaeological Museum "Santa Chiara"
In an 18th century monastic structure houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Santa Chiara. Among the works exhibited are Roman artifacts: the "VenusVenus (mythology)
Venus is a Roman goddess principally associated with love, beauty, sex,sexual seduction and fertility, who played a key role in many Roman religious festivals and myths...
of Venafro" by Antonine (2nd century AD), two large statues of men who are identified as Augustus
Augustus
Augustus ;23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14) is considered the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 27 BC until his death in 14 AD.The dates of his rule are contemporary dates; Augustus lived under two calendars, the Roman Republican until 45 BC, and the Julian...
and Tiberius
Tiberius
Tiberius , was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. Tiberius was by birth a Claudian, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced Nero and married Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian...
, and the great memorial or "Tavola Acquaria" where the regulations designed to regulate the use (edict of Augustus) of the Roman aqueduct during the Augustan age.
The French Military Cemetery
Along Highway 85 to Isernia, on an extended flat area is the French war cemetery in which are buried about 4,500 (but many have been exhumed) soldiers. Notable are the two thirds of African origin, mainly MoroccanMorocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, Algerian
Algeria
Algeria , officially the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria , also formally referred to as the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria, is a country in the Maghreb region of Northwest Africa with Algiers as its capital.In terms of land area, it is the largest country in Africa and the Arab...
, Tunisian
Demographics of Tunisia
The majority of modern Tunisians are Arab-Berber orArabized Berber, and are speakers of Tunisian Arabic. However, there is also a small population of Berbers located in the Jabal Dahar mountains in the South East and on the island of Jerba...
and Senegalese, who fell in large part during the Battle of Monte Cassino
Battle of Monte Cassino
The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles during World War II, fought by the Allies against Germans and Italians with the intention of breaking through the Winter Line and seizing Rome.In the beginning of 1944, the western half of the Winter Line was being anchored by Germans...
. A monument was erected that refers explicitly to the North African minarets
Minarets
Minarets may refer to:*Minarets, an architectural feature of Islamic mosques*Minarets, California, a former town in California*Minarets , mountain peaks in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California*Minarets , a song by Dave Matthews...
decorated with ceramic tiles of blue, set against the whitewashed walls, and some inscriptions. Inside, there are tombs of the Unknown Soldier dedicated to soldiers: one Tunisian, one Algerian, and one Moroccan. All the tombs are arranged on the north-east south-west, with the gravestones facing north-east, with the exception of some graves, located behind the section of Jewish soldiers and animists. On each plaque by the name (if known) are the words (in French) "died for France".
The World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) Mortine Oasis
Located at the border between Molise and Campania, in the municipalities of Venafro and Capriati a VolturnoCapriati a Volturno
Capriati a Volturno is a comune in the Province of Caserta in the Italian region Campania, located about 70 km north of Naples and about 45 km northwest of Caserta....
is a man-made wildlife preserve. The approximately 32 acres (129,499.5 m²) of property, have been entrusted to World Wide Fund for Nature
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States...
(WWF) Italy. Situated along the short stretch of the Volturno River, which marks the border between Molise and Campania, The Mortine Oasis
Oasis
In geography, an oasis or cienega is an isolated area of vegetation in a desert, typically surrounding a spring or similar water source...
occupies an artificial waterway created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam. The set of aquatic habitats are surrounded by a hygrophilous (willows, poplars, alders) forest. The lake and the woods are habitat for diverse aquatic fauna
Fauna
Fauna or faunæ is all of the animal life of any particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is flora.Zoologists and paleontologists use fauna to refer to a typical collection of animals found in a specific time or place, e.g. the "Sonoran Desert fauna" or the "Burgess shale fauna"...
and waterfowl.
Regional Agricultural Historical Olive Park
The Parco Oraziano behind the city's cathedral became the Regional Agricultural Historical Olive Park of Venafro. A regional law aimed at establishing a protected area to preserve the heritage of Venafro’s olives and olive trees. The Regional Agricultural Historical Olive Park of Venafro is the first park in the Mediterranean area with an olive theme.Festival of Holy Martyrs and Patrons
The patron saintPatron saint
A patron saint is a saint who is regarded as the intercessor and advocate in heaven of a nation, place, craft, activity, class, clan, family, or person...
s of the city are martyrs Nicandro, Marciano, and Daria (Daria consort of Nicandro) which are also the patrons of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Isernia-Venafro
Roman Catholic Diocese of Isernia-Venafro
The Italian Catholic diocese of Isernia-Venafro, in Molise, is a suffragan of the archdiocese of Campobasso-Boiano. In 1852 the historic diocese of Isernia was combined with the diocese of Venafro, to form the diocese of Isernia e Venafro....
, whose feast occurs on June 17. The festival originated during an earthquake
Earthquake
An earthquake is the result of a sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust that creates seismic waves. The seismicity, seismism or seismic activity of an area refers to the frequency, type and size of earthquakes experienced over a period of time...
that struck the city in 1688, but the town escaped serious damage or casualties. The population bestowed an annual festival of thanksgiving on the first Sunday of June, to honor of their saints in gratitude of escaping harm
Also, a bust was made of St. Nicandro in silver, later stolen and replaced by an identical copy, which is carried in procession during the festival. In 1933, under the high altar of the church of St. Nicandro the remains of the saint was found in a grave, from which originates the "Holy Manna" (spring water) at fixed intervals, so the crypt of the church has become a pilgrimage
Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a journey or search of great moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith...
destination.
Currently, the holiday begins on May 17 (Sant N'candriegl) with the month dedicated to the saints, with a procession
Procession
A procession is an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner.-Procession elements:...
and return to the church of the convent of St. Nicandro. The real party, one of the greatest attractions of the region, is celebrated by June 16 to18 with performances and processions, and attracts thousands of faithful and tourists even outside the region. On June 16 there is a procession in the evening with a bust of St. Nicandro and relics from the church of the saint, followed by the solemn vespers
Vespers
Vespers is the evening prayer service in the Western Catholic, Eastern Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran liturgies of the canonical hours...
presided by the bishop and the clergy. The sacred and venerated icons remain at the church for all the festivities. On the evening of the 16th there is a band concert in Market Square. On June 17, is the pontifical mass, involving the bishop and civil and religious leaders. During this ceremony, the mayor delivers keys of the city, symbolizing the protection of the people to patron saints. In the evening there is a concert in the square generally with a nationally known singer. The festival culminates with an impressive procession on the 18th, followed by thousands of people, in which the statues of three saints are carried from the church of St. Nicandro to that of the Annunciation.
Other festivals include:
- March 19: nd i Favor r' San Giuseppe, or the lighting of bonfires in the various squares in the historic city center.
- Good FridayGood FridayGood Friday , is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. The holiday is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may coincide with the Jewish observance of...
: procession of Christ and Our Lady of Sorrows. - May 1: the Feast of the Cross.
- PentecostPentecostPentecost is a prominent feast in the calendar of Ancient Israel celebrating the giving of the Law on Sinai, and also later in the Christian liturgical year commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Christ after the Resurrection of Jesus...
Sunday celebrates Madonna of the Roses, with a feast of near the church of the same name, with a procession and musical entertainment in the square. - On the Sunday of Corpus Domini is held the traditional procession through the streets of downtown.
- June 13: There is a procession of Saint Anthony of Padua for the old town from the church of the Annunciation.
- July 1 and 2: Our Lady of Grace feast.
- July 15 and 16: Celebrates Our Lady of Mount Caramel. 15 band concerts and fireworksFireworksFireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event is a display of the effects produced by firework devices...
. - August 1 the 2nd: Our Lady of the Angels celebration.
- September 23: St Pio of Pietrelcina celebration in the convent of St. Nicandro with a processional and musical entertainment in the square.
- The first Sunday of October: Celebration of Our Lady of the RosaryRosaryThe rosary or "garland of roses" is a traditional Catholic devotion. The term denotes the prayer beads used to count the series of prayers that make up the rosary...
in the village of Ceppagna with procession and various shows. - November 11: Saint Martino and Nicola celebration
- December 8: feast of the Immaculate ConceptionImmaculate ConceptionThe Immaculate Conception of Mary is a dogma of the Roman Catholic Church, according to which the Virgin Mary was conceived without any stain of original sin. It is one of the four dogmata in Roman Catholic Mariology...
with a fair in the morning.
Notable people
- St. Nicandro, San Marciano, Santa Daria, martyrs
- Antonio de VenafroAntonio de VenafroAntonio Giordano, called Antonio da Venafro, was born in 1459 in Venafro, Molise. He moved to Siena and attended the university there graduating in jurisprudence. In 1488 Venafro was elected professor of law at the University of Siena. In November 1493 Antonio was elected Appellate Judge...
, Italian Leader - Leopoldo Pilla, scientist and patriot
- Amico da Venafro, Italian leader
- Edoardo Cimorelli, parliamentarian
- Giovanni de Amicis, judge and historian
- Gennaro Morra, poet and writer
Economy
Agriculture is traditionally conducted at a household level. In particular, the historic production of olive oilOlive oil
Olive oil is an oil obtained from the olive , a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. It is commonly used in cooking, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and soaps and as a fuel for traditional oil lamps...
it is still active. Venafro has obtained the status of "Oil City", and boasts a native species of olive, Aurino. Engineering, manufacturing, construction, detergents, agricultural and food products industries also make up Venafro’s economy. Tourism
Tourism
Tourism is travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people "traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes".Tourism has become a...
remains underdeveloped despite artistic, architectural, historical and cultural items that Venafro has to offer.
Road and Rail links
Venafro has many road and rail connections due to its geographical position, being placed right at the south-western region of Molise. The town is crossed by the SS 85 Venafrana, which connects the CaianelloCaianello
Caianello is a comune in the Province of Caserta in the Italian region Campania, located about 50 km northwest of Naples and about 35 km northwest of Caserta. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 1,791 and an area of 15.6 km².Caianello borders the following municipalities:...
motorway interchange with Molise and Campania; SS6 Casilina, linking with Lazio and Molise San Vittore del Lazio
San Vittore del Lazio
San Vittore del Lazio is a comune in the Province of Frosinone in the Italian region Lazio, located about 130 km southeast of Rome and about 50 km southeast of Frosinone...
motorway. Finally, the municipality is crossed by the Vairano-Isernia
Isernia
Isernia Isernia Isernia (Latin: Aesernia or, in Pliny and later writers, Eserninus, or in the Antonine Itinerary, Serni is a town and comune in the central Italian region of Molise, and the capital of Isernia province.- Geography :...
railway.
Frazioni
- Ceppagna with about 600 inhabitants, is located almost 300 m above sea level 4 km from the capital city, is the largest of the villages of Venafro. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Sammucro (1205 m), near the border with Campania. Already inhabited in ancient times, by Romans and Samnites, Ceppagna has considerable historical important sites. The name "Ceppagna" comes from the Latin cippus, and meaning engraved marking stone.
- Vallecupa has about 150 inhabitants and is located as the name implies in a small valley on the border with Ontario, Italy near Mount Cesima.
- Le Noci about 60 inhabitants, this residential settlement is located on the slopes of Mount Sambucaro (1205 m), about 400 m above sea level and enjoys a cooler climate than the capital city, from which it is about 3 miles (4.8 km).