Ferrazzano, Italian comune
Ferrazzano is a hilltop commune in the province of Campobasso, in the Molise region, sitting at close to 900 meters above sea level. The old town is made up of narrow winding lanes, stone houses, the medieval Castello Carafa with its cylindrical towers, and the church of Santa Maria Assunta.
Ferrazzano may have roots going back to the Samnites, and the Roman historian Livy mentioned a place called Ferentinum in this area. The Castello Carafa was rebuilt between the 1400s and the early 1600s by noble families who turned it from a plain fortress into a residence.
The feast of Sant'Antonio di Padova takes place every June and draws people from surrounding villages to join the processions through the old streets. The folk group Lu Passarielle performs traditional songs and dances that have been passed down locally for generations.
Most of the old town can be covered on foot, as the main sights are close together. The streets are steep and stone-paved, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, especially for reaching the higher parts of the village.
Ferrazzano is nicknamed the 'Sentinella del Molise', meaning the Watchman of Molise, because its hilltop position gives a view over the Biferno valley and the surrounding lands. On a clear day, you can spot the Matese mountain range and the city of Campobasso below.
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