Fornelli, Province of Isernia, Molise

The small centre eises near the Vardia river, on top of a hill facing Colle Ginestra where there are ruins of an ancient Italic acropolis.

Info

Altitude: 530 m a.s.l
Territory: mountainous
Population: about 1800 inhabitants in 2018
Zip/postal code: 86070
Dialing Area Code: +39 0865
Patron Saint: St. Pietro Martire, celebrated on April 29
Frazioni & Localities: Alluoro, Bivio, Canala, Castello, Cervaro, Chiuselle, Fontanelle, Guardiello, Madonna delle Grazie, Masserie della Canala, Masserie Ferretti, Pincere, Santa Maria Casali.

History

Fornelli was first recorded in the 10th century as one of the castles erected to defend the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno. The name most probably derives from the presence in the area of a large oven (=forno) to bake clay bricks used for construction works.

The original name was Fornello, changed into Fornelli in the 18th century. During WW2, on 4 October 1942, the Germans in repression of the resistance of the village, executed the podestà (=mayor) Giuseppe Laurelli and other five citizens, for which Fornelli was given a medal to military valor.

Events and Festivities

A week before Easter: the "tuzza"
October: Vintage Feast.

What to see

The Parish Church, dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo, with its charatheristic portal.
The Palazzo Vecchio.

Genealogy & Links

Surnames in Fornelli.

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Family History

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Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Surnames in the Provinces of Molise

Campobasso | Isernia

Info on Italian Regions