Colletorto

Colletorto
Comune
Comune di Colletorto
Colletorto

Location of Colletorto in Italy

Coordinates: 41°40′N 14°58′E / 41.667°N 14.967°E / 41.667; 14.967Coordinates: 41°40′N 14°58′E / 41.667°N 14.967°E / 41.667; 14.967
Country Italy
Region Molise
Province / Metropolitan city Province of Campobasso (CB)
Area
  Total 35.9 km2 (13.9 sq mi)
Elevation 508 m (1,667 ft)
Population (Jan. 15)
  Total 1,982
  Density 55/km2 (140/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Colletortesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 86044
Dialing code 0874
Patron saint San Giovanni Battista
Saint day 29 August
Website www.comune.colletorto.cb.it

Colletorto is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian southern region of Molise, located about 45 kilometres (28 mi) from the capital of the region Campobasso and 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Termoli (CB) sea town with port, railway and highway A14 (Adriaric line). As of 1 January 2015, it had a population of 1,982 and an area of 35.9 square kilometres (13.9 sq mi).[1]

Geography

Colletorto is situated on a hill 508 mt above sea level up to colle Crocella (776 m) in the Fortore river valley on the "Monti Frentani".

Near Colletorto is situated the Occhito lake, an artificial lake on the Fortore river that sign the limith with the Apulia region, the lake of Guardialfiera is 15 km away.

Other important river on the territory are the torrent of Santa Maria and the Cigno river both branches of the Fortore river.

The hills around Colletorto are divided in forest of oacks, mediterranean maquis, olive trees and fields of cereals and other agricultural products.

The town is divided in two parts: the upper part is called "Colle" (Hill) and the lower is named "Terra" with the main road and center "Corso Vittorio Emanuele", crossing the center there is the old town district "Campo dei Fiori" (Field of flowers) with the Parish church of Saint John the Baptist, the palace of marquis Rota (Local council domicile) and the Angioina tower, 25 m tall and built in 1369 by Queen Joanna I of Naples, with an amazing view from the terrace on the Gargano mountain (Apulia), the Lesina lake, the Adriatic Sea and the Tremiti Islands.

Colletorto borders the following municipalities: Carlantino, Casalnuovo Monterotaro, San Giuliano di Puglia, Sant'Elia a Pianisi.

Monuments

Angioina tower

Built in 1369 by the Queen Joanna I of Naples is the main monument of Colletorto, is tall 25 meters and was built on an old Norman castle it is still possible see the old walls. Since 1959 it's propriety of the local council donated by a private family and the last restoration was in 2012.

Rota palace

The palace of the marquis Bartolomeo Rota was built in the eighteenth century on the ruins of the old castle, is connected with the Angioina tower and is the local council domicile.

Parish Church of Saint John the baptist

The church was built in 1730 for will of Monsignor Tria instead of the old church too small to ospitate the growing population, is situated in the old town center in front of the palace and the tower. The particularity of this church is the bell tower that serves as a main entrance.

The monastery with church of Saint Alfonso de'Liguori

Was rebuilt in 1728 instead of the church of Our Lady of the Carmine for will of maquis Rota. Is situated on the stairs to reach the top part of the town. The church wad last restored in 2014, the monastery need still some work to finish the restoration.

The church of purgatory

Built in 1776 is a deconsecrated church now used like a meeting hall. Is in the center of Colletorto close the entrance for the old town.

The chapel of Out Lady of Loreto

The chapel is situated on a hill 3 km away from Colletorto surrounded by olive trees.

The chapel of Saint Rocco

It's a very small chapel situated 2 km away from Colletorto in the cemetery.

Economy

The economy of Colletorto is mainly based on agriculture, producing cereals and especially extra vergin olive oil of excellent quality.

The "Oliva nera di Colletorto" is a native tree of Colletorto and his oil is necessary to produce the "DOP Molise".

On the territory are present many oil mills, one paper factory and private workshops.

Under construction there is a health center for elderly persons.

Transport

Bus

Colletorto is connected by pubblic bus to the nearest towns and the mains in the Province of Campobasso.

Train

The closest train station is Bonefro-Santa Croce station 14 km away on the regional line Termoli–Venafro railway.

Important station near Colletorto are:

Termoli railway station on the Adriatic line, with train for Pescara and Vasto in Abruzzo and Foggia in Apulia.

Campobasso railway station connected to Isernia and Venafro in Molise, Caserta and Naples in Campania, Cassino and Rome Termini in Latium.

Airport

The closest is the Abruzzo Airport in Pescara 148 km away, the Karol Wojtyła Airport in Bari 206 km, the Capodichino International Airport in Naples and the airports of Rome Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport 281 km.

Port

The closest port is in Termoli (The main in Molise), from Termoli is possible reach the Tremiti island in province of Foggia.

Demographic evolution

References

  1. All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.
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