Sant'Elia a Pianisi, the Italian town waiting to be discovered

Sant'Elia a Pianisi is an Italian town located in the province of Campobasso, in Molise. Its notoriety is linked to the presence of a Franciscan convent dedicated to Padre Pio. Over the years, the town has experienced depopulation, but thanks to the well known 1 euro home initiative and a project to promote religious tourism, the situation is gradually improving. Let's find out more about Sant'Elia a Pianisi, the Italian town waiting to be discovered.

What to see in Sant'Elia a Pianisi

Sant'Elia a Pianisi is characterised by a medieval historical centre distinguished by the presence of ancient houses, some located near the mother church and others gathered in secondary alleys: the main sights to admire are to be found in this area. Evidence of the past continues to be present thanks to the numerous churches, the oldest of which is Abbazia di San Pietro (St. Peter's Abbey), dating back to the 11th century.

The parish church, named 'Elia' after the patron saint, stands out in the town centre, known for the two famous works preserved inside: the 'allegory of the Seven Sacraments' and the 'nativity'. Its façades are bare and irregularly tanned stone, the bell tower has no particular decorative elements.

The Franciscan convent is the main tourist attraction, completed in 1531, and visitors have the opportunity to contemplate the wonderful 17th century high altar. Inside, works by Paolo Gamba can be admired.

Very characteristic is the Chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie, originally a pilgrims' hospital built during the plague in the 16th century. Unfortunately, with the arrival of the French at the end of the 18th century, the hospital with the convent was closed, and only the church remained accessible for worship. Finally, the Castle of Pianisi is also attractive, and is located on the hill of the same name as well as the Fountain of Peace.

Curiosities about Sant'Elia a Pianisi

Sant'Elia a Pianisi was founded in the 10th century as a castro of the Lombards and the castle also dates back to that period: today it is almost completely destroyed. A very curious detail is that the village of Sant'Elia a Pianisi is often mentioned in medieval chronicles as the place where dispersed people were gathered. For this reason, there was most probably a need to defend the brigands before the Spanish invasion.

The village also became important throughout its history for the artisan activities carried out, including: funari, vardari and stone masons.

Houses for 1 euro in Sant'Elia a Pianisi

The municipality of Sant'Elia a Pianisi, in the province of Campobasso, has also recently joined Italy's 1 euro home project, as the town's mayor confirmed in an interview with idealista/news.

Eight houses have been put up for sale at one euro each with the aim of supporting the local economy and the allocation of the property depends on the score collected from each application, for example, those who undertake to complete the work in the shortest possible time will have a higher score and will benefit from certain advantages.

In order to be able to participate and buy a 1 euro house in Sant'Elia a Pianisi, it is necessary to apply directly to the municipality, stating the house you want to buy. The renovations must then begin within 12 months of the permit being issued, and the work must be completed within 3 years.

What to eat in Sant'Elia a Pianisi

Religious history inspires the traditions and also the typical dishes of the town; in fact, the cuisine reproduces the memory of Sant'Elia a Pianisi and the most famous territorial dishes are:

• trecce (literally translated as plaits): characterised by intertwined circular shapes of dough leavened with egg yolk and flavourings;
• casciatelli: small bundles of pasta stuffed with cheese and eggs
• cauzun: sweet ravioli made with a flavoured chickpea dough filling;
• mostaccioli: spiced rhombus-shaped biscuits glazed with chocolate;
• canestrelle: sweet puff pastry cut and shaped into baskets and decorated with honey and cooked must.

Also standing out are cavatelli, 'm panizza', cooked savoy cabbage with corn pizza, cacio cheese and eggs, and torcinelli and pancotto with beans. Also very tempting is the simple dish of oranges cut into pieces and dressed with water, oil and sugar.

Events and festivals in Sant'Elia a Pianisi

Inhabitants and tourists have the opportunity to participate in various events and numerous festivals in Sant'Elia a Pianisi throughout the year. During these moments of conviviality, it is possible to find food and wine proposals and discover art and culture. 20th July is the town's patron saint's day and during the year there is also the Palio delle contrade, the fair and the celebration of the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ.

How to get to Sant'Elia a Pianisi

Arriving in the municipality of Sant'Elia a Pianisi is possible by different means including:

• By car: from the north, it is possible to reach the town from the A14 Adriatica motorway in the direction of Pescara, exiting at Termoli, in the direction of Campobasso. From the south, taking the A14 Adriatica motorway in the direction of Pescara and then exiting at Foggia and going towards Campobasso/Pescara;
• By train: The nearest railway station is Ripabottoni-S.Elia, about 12 km away. The Campobasso station can be reached by the Termoli - Campobasso line, Rome - Campobasso line, Naples - Campobasso line. It is also possible to continue by bus with the Autolinee SATI;
• By bus: the buses operating in Molise are the Autolinee SATI, Lariviera, Molise Trasporti and Moffa;
• By plane: you can land in Foggia, Naples, Pescara, Ciampino and Fiumicino.
• Sant'Elia a Pianisi can also be reached by sea, from the port of Termoli or the port of Naples, and there are also connections with the Tremiti Islands.

Living in Sant'Elia a Pianisi

On idealista you can find houses for sale and for rent in Sant'Elia a Pianisi to suit your needs, especially if doing up a 1 euro house isn't for you. If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy a few days' holiday and visit the Molise village, you can search for your holiday home on Rentalia.

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