Discover
The art of sculpture
Stone working in Pescopennataro is an ancient art. The origins of the Pescopennataro stonemasonry presumably date back to the Oscan-Samnite period, witness the Samnite fortress (now destroyed) equipped with megalithic walls to defend the most vulnerable part.
Other evidence of the art of stone carving can be seen in nearby Agnone: keystones, portals, churches and palaces. The artistic portal of the Church of Sant’Emidio in Agnone appears to have been commissioned by feudal lord Borrello in 1295 from the pescolan stonemasons themselves.
News about the stonemasons of Pescopennataro becomes more numerous starting in the 1700s. A veritable artistic school was established in the village, led by several talented masters. The presence of the school induced many farmers and ranchers to convert to the art of stone carving. This specialization led first and foremost to the acquisition of considerable prestige for the master stonemasons of Pescopennataro – called upon to make balustrades, holy-water fonts, fountains, aristocratic chapels, memorial stones, portals, stucco work and decorations of houses and churches all over the world – but also economic benefits for families.
Currently keeping alive a tradition handed down for three generations is Edoardo Lalli, a precise and refined stonemason and author of several works.
The organized activities, as part of a real outdoor workshop of the art of carving, will allow visitors to enjoy an original experience that combines art, culture, craftsmanship and conviviality, in a serene and welcoming atmosphere that has always distinguished the “Country of Firs and Masters of Stone.”
Days
01 August 24
30 September 24
Timetable
17:00 - 06:00
Information/To know
Suitable for Everybody
Not wheelchair accessible
Location/The place
Address
Piazza del Popolo, 86080 Pescopennataro IS
How to get there
From the North and South: From the A14 Adriatica highway, exit at the Val di Sangro tollbooth, follow the direction of Villa S. Maria, SS 652, near San Marco continue straight, then turn onto SS 558, go through Sant' Angelo del Pesco, turn onto SP 2 towards Pescopennataro. From Isernia: Take SP 21, continue on SS 17 towards Forlì del Sannio, Rionero Sannitico, take SS 652, continue on SS 558, turn onto SP 2 towards Pescopennataro. From Campobasso: Take SS 87 (strada statale Bifernina), near Vinchiaturo take SS 17, continue on SS 650, turn onto SS 651 towards Pescolanciano, take SS 86, continue to Capracotta, Pescopennataro. From Naples: Take the A1 Rome-Naples Autostrada del Sole highway, exit at Caianello, follow signs for Isernia, SS 85, follow direction Montaquila/Roccaraso, turn onto SS 158 towards Roccaraso, take SS 652, continue on SS 558, turn onto SP 2 towards Pescopennataro. From Rome: From the A1 Autostrada del Sole exit at San Vittore, follow direction Venafro on SS 6, at Venafro continue on SS 85, follow direction Montaquila/Roccaraso, turn onto SS 158 towards Roccaraso, take SS 652, continue on SS 558, turn onto SP 2 towards Pescopennataro. By train: You can reach the train station in Isernia (about 50 km away). You continue to Pescopennataro by bus with the Autolinee "SATI" (Pescopennataro - Capracotta - Isernia line).
