Pietracupa, chief town of the homonym municipality
Pietracupa is a small village built on a hillside in Molise with narrow winding streets lined by old stone houses that create a unified appearance. The settlement centers around the Church of San Gregorio Magno and includes natural caves and remnants of earlier structures integrated into the landscape.
The settlement developed over centuries as a strategic location to oversee the surrounding land and served as a refuge during difficult periods. A major earthquake in 1456 damaged the original church, prompting residents to use a nearby cave for worship until a new church dedicated to San Gregorio Magno was built in 1560.
The village maintains strong ties to its faith through statues of saints and important religious celebrations scattered throughout the settlement. Local traditions like summer festivals and seasonal gatherings show how residents use public spaces to preserve their customs and community bonds.
The village is accessible by local roads from nearby towns and is best explored on foot after arriving by car, as parking is limited. Small shops sell local products and handicrafts, and a bar on the main square offers warm drinks and simple snacks for visitors.
According to local lore, a statue of Saint Gregory mysteriously returned to the village repeatedly after a neighboring town attempted to remove it, adding a special spiritual dimension to the place. The Sant'Antonio Abate cave, once a monastic refuge, still holds a crucifix from the 16th century.
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