Acquaviva Collecroce: Croatian Culture and Historic Sites

Acquaviva Collecroce combines Croatian traditions with architectural history, local festivals and regional dishes. Its Croatian heritage is reflected in the language, handicrafts and the memory of the Croats’ arrival. The cuisine, too, is linked to specific festivals.

Croatian Traditions and Language

The Croatian tradition of hand weaving is preserved in Acquaviva Collecroce on wooden looms. A Croatian dialect, Štokavian, is still spoken in the town today. Handicrafts and language represent two distinct forms of Croatian heritage that continue to coexist in the town. Those who wish to organise these topics for their own travel planning can consider hand looms and the dialect separately.

Churches and Architectural Monuments

The Chiesa di Santa Maria Ester is a Baroque church. It was rebuilt in 1715 by the Order of Malta and houses valuable paintings and statues. The Palazzo Cantelmo is also one of the significant architectural monuments in Acquaviva Collecroce that can be visited. For planning a visit to the town, the two buildings can be recorded separately in your own notes by their names.

Memorial Plaques and Interpretation

The “Il Quadrato Magico” memorial plaque commemorates the arrival of the Croats in 1500. The SATOR memorial plaque is considered a magic square whose interpretation remains uncertain. Magic squares are also associated with Templar symbolism. No definitive reading of the SATOR plaque has been established.

Festivals Throughout the Year

On 1 May, the Maj is carried through the streets of Acquaviva Collecroce to celebrate spring. On Christmas Eve, a large torch called Smrčka is lit at the entrance to the church. The celebrations in honour of San Michele Arcangelo, the town’s patron saint, take place twice a year: on 8 May and 29 September. Those who time their stay to coincide with one of these events base their travel dates on these days. The dates are spread throughout the year and must be assigned to the relevant occasion when planning the trip.

Locally Inspired Dishes

Varak, a soup made from pulses and grains, is traditionally prepared for the San Donato festival on 7 August. Kolači are typical sweet treats filled with cooked grape must, grape jam, nuts, ground almonds, honey, cinnamon and orange zest. Those who wish to organise regional dishes by occasion can associate Varak with the San Donato festival and 7 August.

Hilly Setting, Rivers and Fountains

Acquaviva Collecroce lies on a hill between the Trigno and Biferno rivers and is about 30 kilometres from the Adriatic coast. The area is characterised by numerous springs and fountains. The fountains of Acquaviva Collecroce include Fontana nuova, which is also known as Funda nova. For general regional planning, the distance from the coast therefore serves as a guide; the approximately 30 kilometres is an estimate. Fontana nuova and Funda nova refer to the same fountain.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to extend your travel planning beyond Acquaviva Collecroce, you can also visit Montagano, Oratino, Castelbottaccio, Roccavivara, San Massimo, San Biase, Colle d'Anchise and Ferrazzano.

To the higher-level travel overview: Campobasso.