San Massimo: Historic Centre, Churches and Campitello Matese

San Massimo: Historic Centre and History

San Massimo has medieval origins dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. In the medieval historic centre, the enclosing walls of the castle can still be recognised, although only in fragments.

The Fontana di San Massimo stands on a scenic overlook beside the town’s main road. A scenic overlook is an elevated spot offering views of the surrounding area. The Fontana di San Massimo also includes an underground passage with small stalactites and stalagmites that has been made accessible. Alongside the scenic overlook, the underground passage forms a separate area with small stalactites and stalagmites.

The Church of Santa Maria delle Fratte was built between 1300 and 1400. Its portal has a Gothic pointed arch and displays the coat of arms of the Knights of Malta. A Gothic pointed arch tapers upwards and is one of the distinctive architectural forms of this period.

The Church of San Michele Arcangelo was first built after the plague of 1656. It was rebuilt twice, in 1745 and at the beginning of the 19th century. The Church of SS. Salvatore was rebuilt on the ruins of a 15th-century church that had been destroyed in the earthquake of 1805.

Le Gemme del Matese and Local Culture

The local folklore group was re-established 20 years ago under the name Le Gemme del Matese. Le Gemme del Matese performs with traditional musical and rhythmic instruments. The traditional costume of San Massimo is a characteristic visual testimony to local life and the town’s culture. Folklore and traditional costume represent different forms of expression of local life and culture.

Campitello Matese in the Upper Part of the Municipality

Campitello Matese is a hamlet in the upper part of the municipality of San Massimo.

The high plateau of Campitello lies in San Massimo at 1,450 metres above sea level. A high plateau is an elevated, comparatively level landform. The high plateau of Campitello appears as a natural amphitheatre; its landscape is shaped by the ridges of Gallinola, which reach an elevation of 1,922 metres above sea level. The comparatively level plateau and the ridges of Gallinola together form part of the landscape of Campitello Matese. The plateau’s 1,450 metres and the 1,922 metres of the Gallinola ridges are located at different elevations within the landscape.

From the Strada Statale 17 dell’Appennino Abruzzese ed Appulo Sannitica, take the exit for Località San Massimo and continue for 17 kilometres to Campitello Matese. The 17 kilometres to Campitello Matese therefore form a separate section that can be taken into account when planning the journey.

Autumn Produce from San Massimo

In the municipality of San Massimo, chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles are among the typical autumn produce. In autumn, chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles come together in the municipality as typical local products.

To the overarching travel overview: Campobasso.