Colli a Volturno, Province of Isernia, Molise

The small town is surrounded by a landscape is of great beauty, with the Mainarde mountains to the north-west and the Matese massif to the opposite side.

Info

Altitude: 408 m a.s.l
Territory: mountainous
Population: about 1300 inhabitants in 2018
Zip/postal code: 86073
Dialing Area Code: +39 0865
Patron Saint: St. Leonardo, celebrated on November 6
Frazioni & Localities: Casali, Castiglioni, Cerreto, Colle, Fonticelle, Raddi, Santa Giusta, Sterparo, Valloni.

History

Inhabited since very ancient times, it was possibly one of the main fortresses of the warlike Samnites, but was of importance also for the Romans, who built an aqueduct completely excavated in the rocks of Monte San Paolo. The name refers to the existence of two previous settlements which were then abandoned by their inhabitants who moved to the area of the present town. In the Middle Ages Colli rose around a giant rock on top of which there was a fortress built by the monks of San Vincenzo al Volturno in defence of their monastery.

What to see

The Parish Church of San Leonardo, built in the Middle Ages but restored in 1720 in the baroque style.
The tunnels of the Roman Aqueduct, near Ponte Rio Chiaro.
Excursion through the Valle Porcina, the ancient "Vadu Porcinum" of the Lombards, in search of the renowned porcini mushrooms.

Events and Festivities

First week in November, San Leonardo, with the biggest cattle fair in the Upper Volturno Valley
Sant'Antonio Abate, January 16
San Silvestro, December 31.

Genealogy & Links

Surnames in Colli a Volturno.

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Italian Genealogy

Family History

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Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Surnames in the Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Info on Italian Regions