Arpaise: Discover Churches, Festivals and Truffles

Chapels, Churches and Historical Traces

The Cappella Confraternita del S. Rosario di Terranova was built in 1898. The chapel houses a wooden statue of S. Maria del Pigno dating from the 18th century. Its origins can be traced back to the time of the Council of Trent. The wooden statue is therefore older than the chapel’s current building.

The Chiesa di Maria Santissima delle Grazie has a rectangular nave and an apse. Following the 1980 earthquake and the subsequent restoration work, it was reopened in 1987. For historical consideration, the clearly described architectural form and the reopening after the earthquake and restoration work stand side by side here. The chapel from 1898 and the Chiesa reopened in 1987 represent two different points in the local architectural history.

The Santuario dei SS. Cosma e Damiano in Terranova Fossaceca dates from 1934. In this context, the former church dedicated to Santa Maria was demolished. The year of construction, 1934, and the demolition of the older church belong to the same structural turning point.

Terranova, too, has a long historical dimension. In the 12th to 13th century, the place was already a well-developed settlement or a fortified military outpost. After wartime destruction, Terranova was rebuilt at a higher location around the second half of the 15th century.

Walls and towers of the castle in Terranova are clearly preserved and visible. The castle thus remains present in the townscape through specific structural elements, while the earlier settlement and fortification history lies in centuries further back.

Festivals and Outdoor Activities

The patron saint’s festival of S. Rocco da Montpellier in Arpaise includes a procession through the town with torchlight on 18 August. In Terranova di Arpaise, the festival in honour of the patron saints Cosma e Damiano is celebrated every year. In Arpaise, the patron saint’s festival takes place on 18 August; in Terranova di Arpaise, the celebration returns every year.

Geonaturalist excursions are organised in Arpaise. Cycling is one of the sports and leisure activities, as is outdoor fitness. The excursions bring natural history into the stay; cycling and outdoor fitness represent sport and leisure.

Truffles and a Seasonal Product

Arpaise is a truffle-growing area recognised by the Agriculture Department of the Campania Region for “Tuber magnatum Picco 1788”. This is a roundish, yellowish-white truffle variety. For travellers interested in culinary experiences, the truffle is therefore present as a specific species and not merely as a general product term.

In the autumn months, “Castagne del prete” are produced in the hamlet of Terranova. The product is considered soft and sweet. Autumn is the specific seasonal reference, while Terranova is the place of production of this regional product. The truffle variety and the chestnut product connect Arpaise and Terranova with regional produce.

Other Places

San Nazzaro, Paupisi, Morcone, Fontanavecchia, Montesarchio, San Martino Sannita, Pino, Pesco Sannita

For the overarching travel overview: Benevento.