Discover Riccia: Castle, Forest and Folk Culture

Riccia offers a range of starting points for a trip: the tower of Castello di Riccia and the churches tell the story of architectural history, while the Museo delle arti e delle tradizioni popolari preserves evidence of local customs. There are also forest-related attractions in Bosco Mazzocca and the Festa dell’Uva. If you are looking for a hotel in Riccia, these highlights can help you decide which experiences you want to shape your trip.

Castello di Riccia: Tower and Architectural History

Castello di Riccia is almost twenty metres high and has a cylindrical floor plan. At its summit is a stone crown of corbels. The main tower served as a watchtower overlooking the valley, so this historic function is part of the castle’s story alongside its architectural form. The castle probably dates from the Lombard period, but the exact date of its construction is uncertain. This building therefore combines specific architectural features with a carefully qualified historical attribution.

Piano della Corte: Museum and Churches

The Museo delle arti e delle tradizioni popolari is located in the basement of the Magazeno, in the medieval borgo of Piano della Corte. It was inaugurated in May 1997, following research and restoration work on more than 400 objects. Among the exhibits is “u Paleméne,” a basin carved into local stone and used for treading grapes. The museum also displays “u Muttille,” a wooden funnel dating from 1700, and 19th-century looms. The basin, funnel and looms represent different objects and activities; the dates also provide distinct historical reference points within the collection.

The churches in Riccia also feature a range of architectural and artistic details. The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, also known as del Beato Stefano, forms part of the architectural complex of Piano della Corte in the medieval town centre. Its façade follows the design commissioned by Bartolomeo III in 1500 and is influenced by a Doric order that is not strictly executed. Inside are tombs of the de Capua family, including Bartolomeo’s central tomb. The Chiesa dell’Annunziata contains an Annunciation painting by an unknown artist. The range of sights extends from a façade’s design to tombs and a single painting.

Bosco Mazzocca: Forest, Wildlife and Nature Trail

Bosco Mazzocca covers approximately 450 hectares. The tree species found there include downy oaks, ash trees, black locusts and boxwoods. While walking, visitors may spot peregrine falcons, wild boar, foxes, badgers and the occasional hare. The forest also has equipped camping and picnic areas with benches, wooden tables and barbecues. Bosco Mazzocca thus combines nature-watching with designated opportunities to spend time outdoors.

The Bosco delle Favole nature trail in the ancient Bosco Mazzocca offers a distinctive introduction to local stories. It introduces younger generations to legends and games from Riccia’s folk tradition. The forest is therefore more than just its trees and wildlife: the trail also connects visitors with traditional stories and games. If you are interested in nature and folk culture, you will find two distinct themes here, both connected to the same forest.

Festa dell’Uva in September

The Festa dell’Uva takes place in Riccia on the second Sunday in September. The parade features floats made from grapes attached with glue; the grapes are selected by colour and size. The floats’ design gives the procession its distinctive theme. If you want to plan your trip around the Festa dell’Uva, check the dates for the relevant year’s event.

Discover more destinations: Ripabottoni, Montenero Di Bisaccia, Mafalda, Vinchiaturo, Rotello, Lido Campomarino, San Giuliano del Sannio, Campobasso

Back to the main travel overview: Campobasso.