Teatro Sannita Pietrabbondante
The Teatro Sannita Pietrabbondante is an ancient theater and sanctuary carved into the slopes of Monte Saraceno. The complex comprises a theater with stone seating rows integrated into the hillside, a large temple on an elevated platform, and supporting structures connected by staircases and terraced levels.
The Sannites founded this sanctuary from the 5th century before Christ onwards as a major religious and political center. The site remained significant through Roman times before being gradually abandoned and later rediscovered through excavations in the 19th century.
The site served as a sacred and political center where the Sannite community gathered for rituals, assemblies, and public decisions. The arrangement of the theater and temple shows how these two functions were intertwined in their civic life.
The site sits at about 966 meters elevation and requires climbing from the entrance through terraced paths and stairs. The terrain is uneven with steep slopes throughout, so sturdy footwear and reasonable fitness are advisable for a full exploration.
The seating area features unusual details such as stone armrests carved into griffin paws and kneeling Atlas figures holding spheres. These rare architectural elements suggest the site hosted formal ceremonies and sacred oaths taken by the community.
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