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Trivento
By Nancy DeSanti
The view approaching Trivento.
Credit: Trivento | Marco Pirulli
Province of Campobasso, Region of Molise
The town of Trivento is located on the border with Abruzzo in the Trigno Valley, perched on a hill about 25 kilometers northwest of Campobasso. It has approximately 4,663 inhabitants, known as Trevintini. It is surrounded by territory dotted with larch woods, oak groves and rock formations called morge, part of the Parco delle Morge Cenozoiche del Molise.
One of the larger towns in Molise, Trivento rises on a rocky spur dominating the surrounding plains and hills from where it is possible to enjoy a magnificent view, from the southern coast of Abruzzo down to the Gargano and Tremiti islands.
Its church of Sts. Nazario, Celso e Vittore is the cathedral called the Episcopal See of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trivento. It was built with re-used Roman stones and column capitals on a pagan altar possibly dedicated to the goddess Diana. In early Christian times, a crypt was built on the spot in honor of San Casto, the first bishop of Trivento who started to convert the local Samnite population to Christianity. Most of the architecture is typical Romanesque.
The Trivento name refers to the geographical position of the village in Molise, exposed to winds from the east, south and north. An inscription in a Roman stone found in the cathedral crypt showed that the ancient name was Terventi. An important center of the Samnites, it was destroyed during the 3rd century wars of the Samnites against Rome, and the Romans repopulated it with the Voltinia tribe.
Under the Normans, the fiefdom of Trivento was ruled by numerous seigniories, including the Caldara and the Angevin, which followed one another in occupying the Ducal Castle dating back to the 13th century. The Ducal Castle has high walls, with an irregular plan, and two main entrances. The interior has been modified over the centuries, and the underground part is spartan because it was used in the past as a prison while the piano nobile preserves a hall with frescoes.
In recent decades in the surrounding countryside, there have been over 50 farms, an impressive growth of biological agriculture (farro, olives, cereals), which should have a great future in Molise whose soil is almost unexploited due to the very low population density, and unpolluted, thanks to the lack of industrial development.
Trivento is known for its long staircase, the Scalinata di San Nicola (St Nicholas’ Staircase) with 365 steps, one for each day of the year. The Scalinata di San Nicola is the symbol of the town and was built in three lanes of white limestone. The 365 steps connect the lower part of the village to the upper part called Piano.
Along the slope of the staircase are craft shops displaying crochet work, one of Trivento’s typical features. Beginning in 2018, Lucia Santorelli, in collaboration with the whole town, created a crocheted carpet so long that it covered the entire San Nicola staircase. This charitable initiative aroused worldwide interest. During Advent of the same year, a large Christmas tree made of hundreds of crocheted doilies was erected in Trivento’s Piazza Fontana, making it look like a colorful mosaic.
For this reason, Trivento is now considered the Crochet Capital. In 2019, Trivento hosted the first edition of the Yarn Bombing Day event. Artists and crochet enthusiasts from all over the world came to Trivento to make their crochet crafts. Each item was then exhibited in a path that led from Piazza Fontana to the heart of the historic center.
One of the best times to visit Trivento may be in September, during the Sagra dello zapp’ttone e dei cavatelli. These are two typical Trivento dishes, the first based on lamb livers and veal tripe, while the second is the classic fresh pasta served with broccoli or cardoncelli mushrooms.
What to See
- Scalinata di San Nicola
- The Palazzo Colaneri near the cathedral, a typical Renaissance mansion.
- The Cathedral of SS. Nazario, Celso and Vittore, with a baptismal fountain of the 4th century and a crypt to San Casto, Martyr.
Important Dates
- July 28 – Feast of St. Nazario, the patron saint
- September – Sagra dello zapp’ttone e dei cavatelli
Italiano
Trivento
Tradotto da Ennio Di Tullio
La Scalinata di San Nicola.
Credit: Trivento | Pro Loco TerventumProvincia di Campobasso, Regione Molise
Il comune di Trivento si trova al confine con l’Abruzzo nella Valle del Trigno, arroccato su un colle a circa 25 chilometri a nord ovest di Campobasso. Conta circa 4.663 abitanti, conosciuti come Trevintini. È circondato da un territorio costellato di boschi di larici, querceti e formazioni rocciose dette morge, facenti parte del Parco delle Morge Cenozoiche del Molise.
Tra i centri più grandi del Molise, Trivento sorge su uno sperone roccioso che domina la pianura e le colline circostanti da dove è possibile godere di un magnifico panorama, dalla costa meridionale dell’Abruzzo fino al Gargano e alle Isole Tremiti.
La sua chiesa dei SS. Nazario, Celso e Vittore è la sede vescovile della cattedrale della diocesi cattolica di Trivento. Fu costruito con pietre romane di riutilizzo e capitelli di colonne, su un altare pagano forse dedicato alla dea Diana. Poi in epoca paleocristiana sul posto fu costruita una cripta in onore di San Casto, primo vescovo di Trivento che iniziò a convertire al cristianesimo la popolazione sannita locale. La maggior parte dell’architettura è tipicamente romanica.
Il nome Trivento si riferisce alla posizione geografica del paese molisano, esposto ai venti provenienti da est, sud e nord. Un’iscrizione in una pietra romana rinvenuta nella cripta della cattedrale mostrava che l’antico nome era Terventi. Importante centro dei Sanniti, fu distrutto durante le guerre dei Sanniti contro Roma del III secolo, e i Romani lo ripopolarono con la tribù Voltinia.
Sotto i Normanni il feudo di Trivento fu retto da numerose signorie, tra cui i Caldara e gli Angioini, che si susseguirono occupando il Castello Ducale risalente al XIII secolo. Il Castello Ducale presenta alte mura, a pianta irregolare, e due ingressi principali. L’interno è stato modificato nel corso dei secoli, e la parte sotterranea è spartana perché usata in passato come prigione mentre il piano nobile conserva un salone affrescato.
Negli ultimi decenni nelle campagne circostanti si sono registrate oltre 50 aziende agricole, una crescita impressionante dell’agricoltura biologica (farro, olivo, cereali), che dovrebbe avere un grande futuro in Molise il cui suolo è quasi inutilizzato per la bassissima densità abitativa, e incontaminata, grazie al mancato di sviluppo industriale.
Trivento è noto per la sua lunga scalinata, La Scalinata di San Nicola, con 365 gradini, un gradino per tutti i giorni dell’anno (365). La Scalinata di San Nicola è il simbolo del Trivento ed è stata costruita su tre corsie di calcare bianco. I 365 gradini collegano la parte bassa del paese alla parte alta denominata Piano.
Lungo il pendio della scalinata si trovano botteghe artigiane che espongono il lavoro all’uncinetto, una delle caratteristiche tipiche del Trivento. A partire dal 2018 Lucia Santorelli, in collaborazione con tutto il comune, ha realizzato un tappeto all’uncinetto così lungo da coprire l’intera scalinata di San Nicola. Questa iniziativa di beneficenza ha suscitato interesse in tutto il mondo. Durante l’Avvento dello stesso anno, in Piazza Fontana del Trivento, fu eretto un grande albero di Natale composto da centinaia di centrini all’uncinetto, che sembrava un mosaico colorato.
Per questo Trivento è ormai considerata la Capitale dell’Uncinetto. Nel 2019 Trivento ha ospitato la prima edizione dell’evento Yarn Bombing Day. Artisti e appassionati di uncinetto da tutto il mondo sono venuti a Trivento per realizzare i loro lavori all’uncinetto. Ogni pezzo è stato poi esposto in un percorso che da piazza Fontana portava nel cuore del centro storico.
Uno dei periodi migliori per visitare Trivento potrebbe essere settembre, durante la Sagra dello zapp’ttone e dei cavatelli. Si tratta di due piatti tipici del Trivento, il primo a base di fegatini di agnello e trippa di vitello, mentre il secondo è la classica pasta fresca servita con broccoli o funghi cardoncelli.
Le attrazioni del luogo:
- Scalinata di San Nicola
- Il Palazzo Colaneri vicino alla cattedrale, tipico palazzo rinascimentale.
- La Cattedrale dei SS. Nazario, Celso e Vittore, con una fontana battesimale del IV secolo e una cripta a San Casto, Martire.
Date da ricordare:
- 28 luglio – Festa di San Nazario, patrono
- Settembre – Sagra dello zapp’ttone e dei cavatelli
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivento
https://www.italyheritage.com/regions/molise/province-campobasso/trivento.htm
https://www.e-borghi.com/en/village/Campobasso/317/triventoJuly/August 2022
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Join AMHS for The Ferragosto Picnic on Sunday, August 14, 2022
By Maria D’Andrea-Yothers
. The AMHS will be returning to Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Va., for this year’s Ferragosto Picnic, Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. We have reserved Area 5 (not the covered pavilion), which has 9 large picnic tables, two grills, and plenty of parking.
The event is free and open to all, rain or shine. As in prior years, AMHS will provide beverages (soft drinks, water, wine, and beer which, according to our ABC license, can only be drunk from kegs in plastic cups). We ask members, friends and family to bring a basket of food to share, paper products and utensils, and Italian cards. You may also want to bring lawn chairs and a personal portable grill, so long as it is charcoal only. Bring your bocce sets too — while there is no “official” bocce court, we can make our own. We hope you will bring your family and friends to join the afternoon of fun and friendship. For additional details, please see AMHS Annual Ferragosto Picnic (abruzzomoliseheritagesociety.org)
July/August 2022
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Postal Curator Daniel Piazza to Discuss Historical Period of Italian Philately
On Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 7 p.m., renowned stamp expert Daniel A. Piazza will give a virtual talk to AMHS members on a historical period of Italian stamps. His topic will be “The ‘Fascist Style’ in Italian Philately, 1922-1941.”
Piazza has been the Chief Curator of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum since 2014. He is responsible for exhibitions, acquisitions and research related to the museum’s collection of 6 million postage stamps and postal artifacts comprising one of the largest such collections in the world. His exhibitions have included “Freedom Just Around the Corner: Black America from Civil War to Civil Rights,” which won the 2016 Smithsonian Research Prize.
Details on the Zoom link will follow closer to the date of the talk.
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July/August 2022
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In Full Swing
AMHS Pushes On With Activities in Late Winter and Early Spring
AMHS members enjoy the artist’s perspective on the art of the Sistine Chapel. Historian Leads Discussion of History of Italians in Louisiana
By Nancy DeSanti, 1st VP-Programs
In one of our series of online events, AMHS members on February 27, 2022, participated in a very informative virtual talk by historian and author Alan Gauthreaux on his book, “Italians in Louisiana: History, Heritage and Tradition.”
In introducing the speaker, AMHS Vice President Lynn Sorbara mentioned that the story of Italians in New Orleans has personal meaning for her, as the maternal side of her family settled in New Orleans from their home in Sicily. Lynn noted that our speaker had a varied background—as a high school and college teacher and in law enforcement as a correctional officer. He did a great deal of research, and the basis of his book began as his master’s thesis.
Gauthreaux asked: What does a historian with a French name know about Italians in Louisiana? And he answered his own question by saying the subject is of interest to anyone growing up in Louisiana, adding that he “gained weight” doing his research interviewing Italian families which included sharing meals.
The history of Italians in Louisiana was the subject of Alan Gauthreaux’s captivating online presentation. He noted that he used the words Italian and Sicilian interchangeably, while noting that many of the immigrants to Louisiana came from Sicily, or parts of Southern Italy. Taxation, poor soil conditions and plant disease were among the reasons that they came. Italians, who were known for working in a hot, humid climate, were invited to come after the Civil War due to the perceived shortage of labor after the abolition of slavery. The waves of immigration were greatest during the period 1900-1910.
Gauthreaux noted that Italians did not hold the same prejudices as the native Caucasians and generally had good relationships with African Americans. This did not always sit well with the white Louisianans.
He told us the fascinating story about David Hennessy, the New Orleans police chief who was assassinated in 1890. He notes that the saga was the subject of a 1992 HBO movie, “Vendetta.” Gauthreaux said research shows that Hennessy was “one of the dirtiest cops in Louisiana history,” and the real story was about mafia clans and the elites of New Orleans that were fighting over control of the docks—a lucrative business. As a result, a number of Italians were rounded up; a trial was held, and even after their acquittals, they were not released from custody but were sent back to the jail, which Gauthreaux said “was probably a set-up.” A mob of 10,000 formed, stormed the jail, and the sheriff’s deputies let some of the crowd members in.
The mob lynched 11 Italian prisoners, in what is the largest mass lynching in American history. They were hung from trees, dressed in their Sunday best. This shocking event almost led to a war between Italy and the United States, which Gauthreaux said Italy likely would have won due to its superior navy. In the end, $25,000 was paid to the families of the victims. In 2019, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell formally apologized and announced plans for a monument near the old jail.
Author and historian Alan Gauthreaux
Credit: touchpointpress.comIn those days, Gauthreaux noted, “extra-legal justice” happened frequently in the South and law enforcement was likely “in on it.” The powers-that-be went after Italians they didn’t like and got away with it. For example, in another parish, six Italians were executed for a single murder in 1921, and three Italians were lynched near New Orleans in Tallulah in 1899, in a dispute over a goat
Finally, in 1936, Robert Mestri became the first Italian mayor of New Orleans. As Italians assimilated, one became a state supreme court justice; another was the famous singer Louie Prima. And Nick LaRocca was the first person to record a jazz number. Lynn mentioned that she is related to Nick LaRocca on her mother’s side. She added that her great uncles in Louisiana had a strawberry farm that was very successful, so in thanksgiving to their good fortune, they built a chapel on their property. She said the Ku Klux Klan burned it down, and after the chapel was rebuilt, burned it down again. Her great uncles had a sit-down with the Klan in their barn, which suffice it to say, did not end well for the Klan members and her relatives were not bothered again.
There was a lively discussion of the prejudices experienced not only by the Italians but also other ethnic groups, including Eastern European, Jewish and Native American.
Gauthreaux’s book “Italians in Louisiana: History, Heritage and Tradition.” Is available on Amazon, as is his other book, “Dark Bayou” on famous Louisiana homicides.
Many thanks to Lynn for arranging the talk and to our speaker Alan Gauthraux for a fascinating and informative discussion.
Carla Gambescia Tests Audience’s Knowledge of Italian Culture
By Nancy DeSanti, 1st VP-Programs
AMHS members hear about Italy A to Z from Carla Gambescia. Our first AMHS in-person luncheon program of the year was a very successful event that drew 80 people to hear Carla Gambescia, an expert on Italian culture who gave an interesting talk involving audience participation. The event was held at Casa Italiana on March 27, 2022, and it was co-sponsored by the Casa Italiana Sociocultural Center and the Casa Italiana Language School.
Carla gave us a trivia quiz to test our knowledge. She said not to worry — if we got 5 right out of 10, she said we were doing well. And the program was a good opportunity to discover new fun facts and intriguing insights.
Carla is the author of “La Dolce Vita University: An Unconventional Guide to Italian Culture from A to Z,” which is a light-hearted series of mini-essays on everything from Arlecchino to Zanni. You will be able to find the answers to the trivia questions in Carla’s book, which is available on Amazon.com.
She was an engaging speaker, and along the way, we learned all kinds of fun facts, such as that Caterina de Medici, after marrying a French prince and later becoming Queen of France, introduced the French not only to the fork, to the use of herbs, and to broccoli, peas and artichokes, but also to high heels (How cool is that?).
Our knowledge was tested by Carla’s questions and the audience was asked to raise their hand to show their answer as she went through her PowerPoint presentation. Among the questions were:
Which was both prohibited by the Church and condemned by Venice? (a) bocce (b) perfume (c) coffee (d) Casanova’s memoirs.
Which group of Venetians were not permitted to leave the Venetian lagoon on penalty of death? (a) shipbuilders (b) doctors during times of plague (c) glass blowers (d) those whose name were in the Golden Book.
Before “Bologna” became a famous sauce, did it refer to (a) a noble breed of dog (b) a Renaissance hat style (c) an intricate style of wood carving (d) a military medieval maneuver.
Carla Gambescia (right) receives thank you gifts from Maria D’Andrea-Yothers Credit: Sam Yothers Carla, who lives in Chappaqua outside New York City, owned an Italian restaurant which she ran for 13 years. She also had a successful career in marketing and advertising, which she said made her especially interested in Italy’s “Third Golden Age” — after the Roman Empire and the Renaissance — namely, how post-war Italy morphed from the face of Il Duce to the face of La Dolce Vita and conquered the world through passion and excellence in the realms of film, fashion and design, food and wine.
Her family’s roots are in Sulmona in Abruzzo, and also Basilicata, and she traces her love for all things Italian to her parents. Her mother loved the Italian Renaissance Masters and her father introduced her to Dante when she was 8 years old. She said her love of Italy grew when 25 years ago, she went on a bicycle trip in Sicily, where she said, “Something magical happened — I rediscovered my roots and I fell deeply in love with the land of my ancestors.” That experience led her to take dozens of trips all over Italy. Being very adventurous, she has hiked or biked in all 20 regions of Italy. Carla said her next trip to Italy will be a walking tour from Lucca to Rome.
After giving her talk and meeting some of our members, Carla said she feels part of the “Casa Italiana famiglia.” We hope she will visit us again.
We would like to thank Maria D’Andrea-Yothers for arranging for the lunch from A Modo Mio, all those who helped serve the lunch, and all those who donated raffle prizes and bought tickets.
Members Take ‘Field Trip’ to Sistine Chapel Exhibit, Share Meal
By Carmine James Spellane
AMHS members enjoy lunch at the Italian Oven in Virginia. On April 2, some 20 AMHS members ventured to Tyson’s Corner Center in Virginia to see a special exhibit “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.” This unique exhibit used modern technology to allow the visitor to see the art of the Sistine Chapel from the close-up perspective of its creator, Michelangelo.
The excursion was organized by AMHS Board Member Chris Renneker who facilitated the purchase of a group discount rate for tickets. Visitors described the exhibit as “magnificent, moving and informative.”
Following their virtual visit to one of the world’s great masterpieces, the group met for lunch at the Italian Oven in McLean for a shared meal and conviviality. After a cold Covid winter, the outing was a tonic for all who participated. The Society will explore holding more such events in the near future.
May/June 2022
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AMHS Membership
By Lynn Sorbara, 2nd Vice President-Membership
New Members We warmly welcome the following new members: Stephen D’Alessio, Donna M. DeBlasio, William DiGiovanni, Marco Dorsett, Marcella Finelli, Erika Pontarelli, Mary Ann Re, Janice Troilo, and Aubrey White. Birthdays Compleanni a Maggio
Joseph Scafetta, Jr., May 10; Amy Antonelli, May 15; Kathlyn Nudi, May 16; Marcella Finelli, May 17; Robert Woolley, May 19; Peter Bell, May 20; Rocco Del Monaco, Giulia Michonski and Abby Cuviello, May 21; Aldo D’Ottavio and Cora Williams, May 22; Cristina Scalzitti, Jill Werhane and John Dunkle, May 25; Ennio DiTullio and Richard Leiobold, May 29; and Renato Orcino, May 30Compleanni a Giugno
Judy Maimone D’Ambrosi, June 2; Rev. Frank Donio, June 3; Joseph Lupo and Jo-Ann Pilardi, June 9; Alberto Paolantonio and Robert Tobias, June 10; Ruth Bergman, June 14; Harry Piccariello and Joan Galles, June 24; Margaret Uglow, June 25; Omero Sabatini, June 26; Barbara Bernero and Rita Orcino, June 28; and Helen Antonelli Free, Laura Gentile and Jason Quaglia, June 30.Anniversaries Anniversari a Maggio
Francesco & Anna Isgro, May 19; and Mario & Carmen Ciccone, May 27. Ordination of Rev. John V. DiBacco Jr., May 13.Anniversari a Giugno
Joseph & Betsy Ruzzi, June 4; Omero & Belinda Sabatini, June 6; Tony & Judy D’Ambrosi, June 22; Anthony & Elodia D’Onofrio, June 25; Lucio & Edvige D’Andrea, June 27; and Roger & Joan Galles, June 30.Membership Information Category # of Persons
Associate (Couple) 4 X 2 = 8
Associate (Individual) = 42
General (Couple) 49 X 2 = 98
General (Individual) = 92
Honorary = 11
Scholarship = 2
Student = 8
Total = 261May/June 2022
