Pietracupa, the village nicknamed ‘Bethlehem of Molise’

In the heart of Molise, perched on a picturesque rocky outcrop, lies the small village of Pietracupa. Its name, which means “pierced stone”, derives from the morgia, a limestone formation dating back 65 million years, with caves and natural cavities. As early as Roman times, the inhabitants used these cavities as shelters, warehouses and places of worship, creating a unique settlement. Today, the morgia remains the centre of village life, offering breathtaking views and preserving traces of the past. The village is built around the rock, dominated by the bell tower of Sant'Antonio, and is often referred to as the Bethlehem of Molise due to its evocative atmosphere.

What to see in Pietracupa

It is impossible not to notice the church of Sant'Antonio Abate, of great historical interest, at the top of the village of Pietracupa. Perched on the rock and partially carved into the morgia, the church dates back to the end of the 17th century and has a simple gabled façade with a single doorway and three small windows that filter the light inside. The detached bell tower, positioned higher up, dominates the village together with the central altar carved from a marble boulder.

Beneath the church is the fascinating rock crypt, an ancient natural cave that over the centuries has been adapted as a refuge, warehouse, court and place of worship. Restored in 1977, it still preserves the wooden crucifix from the 1500s and the altar carved from a millstone.

On the edge of the village, the church of San Gregorio Magno bears witness to the millennial history of the village: founded in 1360, destroyed and rebuilt several times, it preserves original remains such as capitals and holy water fonts. Pietracupa combines history, art and nature, offering unique emotions between rock and faith.

Events in Pietracupa

During the Christmas period, the village is illuminated with cartocci and 'ndocce: small wind lights on windowsills and pyramid-shaped torches along the streets, lit in memory of Christmas Eve. The rock church hosts an evocative mass with lyrical songs and bagpipers. During Carnival, groups of masked devils roam the village shaking cowbells and pitchforks, before burning an effigy in a spectacular ritual. In October, the Festa dell'Uva (Grape Festival) celebrates the grape harvest with allegorical floats, music, dancing and tastings, transforming the village into a stage of tradition, folklore and conviviality.

Discover Pietracupa and you won't regret it, we recommend it!

photo credits Claudio Giovanni Colombo