Roseto Valfortore, the village of wild roses

Roseto Valfortore, once called Rosito, owes its name to the abundance of wild roses that characterize the territory. The addition of Valfortore refers to the Fortore River, which rises east of the village and crosses the valley. This village preserves a millenary history: since the 1st century AD, a Roman funerary stele has testified to the presence of Roman civilization. In 752 the name Rosito appeared for the first time in a Lombard document. Over the centuries, the village passed under various dominations, from the Normans to the Di Capua, then to the Lombardo and Brancia families, experiencing moments of splendor and decline. Between the 19th and 20th centuries, Roseto took part in the Risorgimento uprisings and witnessed an intense migratory flow to America and Canada, drastically reducing its population. Today the village preserves its historical charm and cultural memory.

What to see in Roseto Valfortore

 Lying on a slope of the Fortore valley, Roseto retains its medieval charm intact, with alleys and lanes to be explored slowly, immersed in the scents of the Vetruscelli woods. The historic center, with its layout derived from Lombard techniques, alternates wide streets, where the stairways of the houses open, with narrow lanes that collect rainwater. All the alleys start from Piazza Vecchia, once closed by night gates for protection. Here stands the Mother Church, built in 1507 by Bartolomeo III Di Capua, with its splendid local stone balustrade and two noble sarcophagi. Opposite is the Marchesale Palace and the Arco della Terra, the main gate of the village. In 1623 the cult of Saint Philip Neri, patron of the town, arrived, with a silver bust preserved in the oratory. The Church of the Holy Body of Christ, now deconsecrated, testifies to the devotion of the 18th–19th centuries. The art of Rosetan stonemasons, visible in portals, columns, and bas-reliefs, together with fountains, springs, mills, and sundials, make Roseto a precious treasure chest of artistic and natural heritage.

Events and traditions of Roseto 

In Roseto Valfortore, village life is enlivened by festivals and traditions throughout the year. In January, for Saint Anthony Abbot, on the third Saturday, the streets are lit with bonfires; in March, Good Friday features the evocative living procession. May celebrates Our Lady of the Incoronata with children on horseback, and Saint Philip Neri, patron saint, with a procession and distribution of local products. Between June and August, the Fair of Typical Products, the Lupo Prize, the Summer Season, the Festival of Hospitality, the Madonna del Carmine, the Truffle Festival, and the Farmers’ Day animate the village with culture, gastronomy, and tradition. In October, the Madonna della Consolazione closes the festive cycle with celebrations and a fair.

What to see around Roseto Valfortore 

The surroundings of Roseto Valfortore open onto landscapes of great charm and history. The Vetruscelli woods, just a few steps from the village, offer trails among oaks and beeches, perfect for excursions and picnics. A short distance away, the Fortore River and its gorges create evocative corners for walks and photography. Nearby villages such as Castelvetere and Montefalcone preserve ancient palaces and churches, witnesses of medieval and Renaissance tradition. The area is ideal for discovering water mills, historic fountains, and ancient farmhouses, where one can taste typical local products. For lovers of archaeology and history, Roman remains and watchtowers complete an itinerary between nature, culture, and tradition.

Cover photo credits: Miti74