The town's name, changed several times over the centuries, probably derives from the greek and latin dialects and today could be translated into "broad-brimmed hat". It is a municipality in the province of Campobasso, situated on a hill, from where it is possible to admire a wide and beautiful panorama over the landscape that ranges from the Gargano area to the Majella mountains. Part of the municipality is also a section of sandy coastline, behind which lies a beautiful pine forest.
Due to the scarcity of documents, the centre's origins are uncertain: for sure, before the Roman domination, it was a center of the Frentani, probable descendants of the Samnites. Due to its particular location, it was disputed by several populations and between the V and VII centuries, it was subject to several attacks by the Goths, Byzantines and Lombards. Frequent earthquakes have devastated the center during its history, the last of which, dating back to the XV century, and just after the assault by the Angevin troops, the events produced a period of depopulation and subsequent decline. Only in the second half of the XVI century, with the establishment of groups of Slavic people, the town was able to overcome its major difficulties and this gave way to a new period of development and prosperity. In the XVII century it became a possession of the Caracciolo. Originally part of Guglionesi territories, it became an independent town in 1923.
Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria, built between XI and XIII centuries, in Romanesque style. It is preceded by a staircase and features a simple façade. It is flanked by massive stone Bell Tower with a square base and divided into three parts and decorated with blind arches. In stone only to the height of the portal, it is similar in style to the main façade;
- the Church of San Rocco, built in Roman times, is the oldest religious building of the town;
- the Old Town centre with its clear medieval features;
- the Ducal Palace, built in Middle Ages, in the main square, has Norman origins. It features a main portal surrounded by stone elements and the linearity of the façade is interrupted only by a series of arched windows, a lovely lodge and at the top a series of battlements.