Castiglion Messer Marino

The municipality of Castiglione Messer Marino is located in the heart of the Molise sub-Apennine Abruzzo region. The town is divided into two agglomerations, the older upper part which includes the historic center with its monuments and the lower part which houses schools and a sports complex. Castiglione Bassa is clearly visible from the ancient cave, from which it is possible to admire a suggestive view of the surrounding valleys. The first written evidence of the existence of the city dates back to the year 1000, when the town was called Castellone, that is, a large castle, even if nothing remains of the ancient fortress. In the historic center there are numerous traces of the town's past, such as Piazza Mandrile, the heart of the social life of the municipality in the Middle Ages. The main place of worship of the city is the Parish Church of San Michele Arcangelo, on the facade there is a 13th century rose window and inside there are works by the painter Federico Spoltore such as 'The Crucifixion' placed on the central nave and the wooden statue of the Madonna del Monte dating back to the 14th century. The Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte is located in the locality of Lupara where a convent once stood, built in the early 1500s and is now a tourist and pilgrimage destination. Splendid fountains adorn Castiglione alta, such as the 1800's Fountain of Santa Maria delle Grazie with a polygonal plan, has a series of arches delimited by ashlar pilasters in gray sandstone, the fountain is surmounted by a drum. The Fountain of San Rocco leaning against a wall was built in 1812 by Gioacchino di Rienzo d'Agnone, in sandstone and terracotta decorated with three cast iron masks depicting the heads of lions. The city has several green areas that allow tourists to go trekking and much more.