Discover Tavenna: Churches, Festivals and Landscapes

Tavenna combines a multifaceted local history with impressive churches, deeply rooted customs and a landscape whose views extend far beyond the immediate surrounding area. If you would like to get to know Italy away from its major centres, you will encounter sacred art, regional festivals and surroundings characterised by olive trees, oaks and Mediterranean shrubs.

Churches with Their Own Histories

The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria di Costantinopoli has a single nave, is 39.70 metres long, 9.80 metres wide and, without the dome, 11.40 metres high. Its foundation stone was blessed and laid on 28 May 1770; an inscription on the door lintel records the year 1773. During the installation of underfloor heating with radiant panels laid beneath the floor, an older floor with a mosaic pattern was also uncovered.

The Chiesa Maria SS. Incoronata probably dates from around 1670. Near the main altar is a statue of Maria Santissima Incoronata dagli Angeli; the niche is decorated with polychrome and gilded wood carvings. Two side altars are dedicated to San Luca and San Vito and decorated with stucco and carved wood.

The Chiesa di Montelateglia also tells a story of destruction and reconstruction. It is considered very old and was probably founded by Benedictines. On 23 October 1943, the German rearguard destroyed the church with explosives; after the end of the Second World War, it was rebuilt in the same location.

Festivals Featuring Processions, Cuisine and Crafts

The Festa della Madonna di Montelateglia takes place on 10 and 11 May. During the festival, a statue is carried in a procession from the rural church to Tavenna and then to the church in the town. On the first Sunday in October, it is returned to its church.

On 17 January, the Festa di S. Antonio Abate combines a depiction from the life of the saint with tastings of typical dishes, singing and folk dancing around fires. These fires are traditionally regarded as bringers of good luck for the harvest of the new season.

The Festa di Santa Irene on 2 and 3 September includes the Mostra dell’artigianato and the Sagra della carne di pecora. The craft exhibition has already been held in several editions; visitors can taste typical products there and watch demonstrations by master craftspeople.

Views and Local Character

From Tavenna, views extend north towards the mountains of the Maiella and Gran Sasso, south towards the Gargano, east towards the Adriatic and the Tremiti Islands, and west towards the inner Apennines of Molise. The area is characterised by oaks, olive, almond, walnut and fig trees, as well as dense broom shrubs.

Tavenna’s origins date back to the Aragonese period, when a Slavic colony joined with the local population and founded the town. This combination of landscape, festival culture and historic buildings makes Tavenna a diverse destination for your individual trip to Italy.

Discover More Places in the Surrounding Area

You can also consider Castelbottaccio, San Martino In Pensilis, Bojano, Montefalcone nel Sannio, Acquaviva Collecroce, Petacciato, Guglionesi and San Massimo as additional travel destinations.

For the higher-level travel overview: Campobasso.