Capracotta Village – a wonder of Molise

Capracotta is a village known for its history and for its development as a ski resort in terms of tourism.

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The history of Capracotta

The name of the village may derive from the custom of local shepherds of preserving meat by drying it in the sun. The area is thought to have hosted the first human presence as early as the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by the discovery of Neanderthal hunting tools, while the first settlement with an inhabited center dates back to the 9th century BC.

From a historical perspective, the current town of Capracotta was founded on the spur of Terra Vecchia during the Lombard conquest of southern Italy. In the following centuries, it developed through transhumance, becoming first part of the Kingdom of Naples and later of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Destroyed during World War II, the village was rebuilt in the 1950s, with the addition of a ski facility on Monte Capraro, thus becoming an important tourist destination.

Monuments, places of interest, and tourism in Capracotta

In addition to its important ski resort, which has hosted numerous events including the European Cup in 2004, Capracotta also offers natural areas and several religious buildings, such as:

The Apennine Flora Garden, one of the highest natural botanical gardens in Italy, preserving numerous local plant species.

The Pescobertino Nature Reserve.

The Verrino River Park.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna di Loreto, restored after war damage while retaining its Baroque elements. Today, it is home to a confraternity that organizes a horse procession every three years.

The Parish Church of Santa Maria in Cielo Assunta, located at the highest point of the town and first mentioned in a 1326 document. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and today features three naves, frescoed walls, numerous statues, and a main altar entirely in inlaid marble, with a tabernacle supported by two angels and the Assumption’s frontal panel.

The Church of Sant’Antonio di Padova, a small 18th-century church dedicated to the Franciscan saint, with a single nave, niches, statues, paintings, and a central bell gable.

The Church of Santa Lucia di Siracura, built between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Finally, the village is also famous for the celebration of La Pezzata, the festival of boiled sheep, held annually on the first Sunday of August. This traditional dish has been recognized as an excellence by the magazine Gambero Rosso.

Don’t miss this little gem of Molise!