Wandering around the historic center of Agnone like this, walking without any particular destination, without thinking about the time that is passing, among narrow streets that lead into delightful little piazzas. But you have to keep an eye out and indulge in some careful inspection of the “keystones” that are carved above the entrances to houses; make your way aimlessly, but with your sense of curiousity turned on, and try to figure out what they have to say. Sometimes the words are brief, understandable “at a glance” , and at other times it may be more difficult to decifer them; fortunately it’s only on rare occasions that they are “scurrilous” … at any rate every keystone talks about its own time in some way or other; every keystone, every stone portal gives importance to the noble houses, and embellishes even the more modest ones. In the silent “Venetian” quarter every stone can recount its own history, even those linked with the period of insurgency against feudalism, when some crests were erased from some of the stone portals! The houses of the rich and the nobility were equipped with “removable” crests. In times of mourning these coats of arms were removed and placed inside the house. This gave a signal to wandering artists and beggars not to ring the bell, and to respect the family’s suffering. Stop for a moment in front of Palazzo Nuonno and look at the ancient goldsmith’s shop, stopping to hear a story linked with paranormal phenomena … of ghosts … of devils! A little further on there is the blacksmith’s workshop … lose yourself for a moment in this atmosphere. Before arriving at the “Ripa” belvedere, your gaze will be drawn up to a mullioned window, together with some stone lions on the buildings that are as ancient as the huge Palazzo Apollonio, dating from Agnone’s medieval era. Continue on immediately to experience a breathtaking view, as far as the eye can see! Discover the many towns that lie all around, catch a glimpse of our capital, Campobasso, breathe the fresh air, surrounded by history and nature at one of the highest points of Molise.
CURIOSITY
A colony of Venetians settled in Agnone in around the year 1000, following Landolfo Borrello who was a soldier in the service of the Doge Pietro Orseolo II. The arts and civilization of these people greatly expanded the socio-economic prospects of the entire community.
If you want to visit the churches on the route, the journey times will vary from one to three hours.
