Cerasuolo, a journey through history and nature in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park
Cerasuolo, a fraction of Filignano, is a village of just over one hundred souls. But it has a lot to tell.
It offers experiences to be fully lived. Nestled against the Mainarde, it is surrounded by the green slopes of the Molise side of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise.
In recent years, one of the reasons that drives curious visitors to this small hamlet is the Museo Combat Road.
It brings to life the terrifying days of World War II. Right between the Mainarde and the upper Valle del Volturno, the Gustav Line passed.
The Museo Combat Road
The Museo Combat Road recounts the military events that occurred between 1943 and 1944 on Monte Pantano.
There were bloody clashes between the Allied troops and the German army. Cerasuolo found itself caught between two fires.
The exhibition, through relics found on-site or donated, tells the story of those tragic days.
The Combat Road museum – the result of the local historical passion of three young people – collects military relics, uniforms, photographs, documents, and various types of equipment.
Everything is carefully displayed in the museum. Meanwhile, research in the area continues, as do donations.
Moreover, the promoters of this initiative have, on several occasions, tracked down and returned dog tags bearing the names of some of the soldiers who fought on this front to their families.
It is certain that the Museo Combat Road is now a true treasure available to all, especially to the new generations.
The grandeur of the neoclassical church
Those who visit the museum also have the opportunity to admire the neoclassical-style church located in the village center.
Dedicated to San Pasquale Baylon, the protector of women, it was built in the 19th century at the behest of Duke Pasquale Marotta, the last feudal lord of Cerasuolo.
What strikes visitors about this church is the impressive facade, which is about 20 meters long.
The Scottish community, the Fish & Chips festival, and the golf course
Another feature of this village is the significant presence – which becomes even more noticeable during the summer – of Italian-Scottish citizens.
They are the children and grandchildren of emigrants who left these areas.
This deep connection with Scotland has given rise to an interesting gastronomic event, held in summer: the Fish & Chips festival.
And it is precisely due to the emigrants returning from Scotland (but also from Germany and Canada) that a golf course can be found in the Filignano area.
The Varvarusa Golf Club, created in the late 1990s, offers sports enthusiasts a particularly challenging 9-hole course.
The ground is not fertilized, and irrigation is handled by rain. More natural than that!
There are also various obstacles: the ancient dry-stone walls.
Excursions in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park
The dry-stone walls, the so-called “macere,” are a characteristic feature of the Filignano area.
The oldest ones date back to the Middle Ages. They were built to “terrace” the mountain, thus reclaiming portions of land for cultivation.
At the same time, they served – and still serve – a protective function against hydrogeological instability in certain areas.
In addition to the dry-stone walls, during an excursion in the Cerasuolo area and its surroundings, several votive shrines can be discovered.
Some are embellished with the use of majolica.
Yes, excursions. As mentioned, Filignano is part of the PNALM, which has an extensive network of trails.
Moreover, one of the trails leads to the archeological site “Mura di Mennella”, dating back to the Early Middle Ages.
The museum and the international festival dedicated to Mario Lanza, the king of opera
To wrap up the journey in Filignano – or rather, to end it with music – a visit to the museum dedicated to Mario Lanza (born in the USA in 1921 and died in Rome in 1959) is a must.
The tenor and actor was originally from this small town in the Valle del Volturno.
He is credited with introducing and inspiring young people to opera music.
One of his most famous performances is in the movie “The Great Caruso,” filmed in 1951.
To Alfred Arnold Cocozza – his real name – Filignano dedicates an important International Opera Festival every summer.
The event attracts world-famous artists and orchestras. Along with them, young talents from all over the world come to Filignano.
A competition is reserved for them.
Cerasuolo, a dive into well-being and beauty
Cerasuolo and the main town, Filignano, have much to offer visitors.
It ranges from the lush nature of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise to the rich history of the Museo Combat Road. From golf to opera music.
There is everything to spend days full of beauty and well-being.
The hospitality of the locals will make this experience even more intense.
Photo Credits: Museo Combat Road (Tripadvisor)
