Sepino, Italian comune
Sepino is a small commune in the province of Campobasso situated on a hilltop at about 700 meters (2,300 feet), surrounded by green forests and narrow stone streets. The village combines remains of a Roman theater and public baths with medieval structures and farmhouses that reveal how the space was inhabited and used across centuries.
Sepino was founded by the Samnites in the 4th century BC and later developed as the Roman city Saepinum, featuring a theater, baths, and fortifications at a strategic location. After destruction from warfare and earthquakes, the settlement was rebuilt on a nearby hilltop and subsequently came under rule of various powers including Normans and local feudal lords.
The name Sepino comes from the Latin for the ancient settlement of Saepinum. Daily life here is deeply connected to nature and tradition, with residents gathering mushrooms from nearby forests and preparing regional dishes that have been part of local cooking for generations.
The village is easy to explore on foot, with narrow lanes connecting the old quarters and archaeological remains accessible via marked paths. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for visiting, and these seasons also make walks through the surrounding forests and to nearby waterfalls particularly enjoyable.
During the annual celebration of Notte delle Campane, church bells ring throughout the entire night, a mysterious ritual that reflects the connection between living residents and their long history. This unusual event attracts few visitors despite holding deep cultural meaning for the community.
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