Montenero Val Cocchiara, Province of Isernia, Molise

Montenero Val Cocchiara is a picturesque medieval village situated in the mountainous territory of the Province of Isernia in Molise, Italy. It has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. The area around Montenero Val Cocchiara was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period, and there are numerous archaeological sites in the surrounding hills that attest to this early settlement. With an altitude of 893 meters above sea level, Montenero Val Cocchiara is a small village with a population of around 500 inhabitants (as of 2017). The patron saint of the village is St. Clemente Martire.

In the Middle Ages, Montenero Val Cocchiara was an important center of trade and commerce. The town was strategically located along a major trade route that linked the Kingdom of Naples with the Adriatic coast, and it played an important role in the economic and cultural life of the region. Over the centuries, Montenero Val Cocchiara was ruled by various feudal lords and noble families, including the Carafa, the Filangieri, and the d'Aquino.

Montenero Val Cocchiara has a rich history dating back to the 10th century when it was first settled by Benedictine monks. The village is first mentioned in documents of the 11th century when it was a fief of the abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno. Until the 15th century, Montenero Val Cocchiara was part of Abruzzo Citeriore and has been under the rule of various feudal lords, including the Borrello, Collalto, Cantelmo, di Sangro, and the Dorias. It took its current name in 1880.

Despite its many wars and invasions, Montenero Val Cocchiara has managed to preserve much of its historical architecture and cultural heritage. The town is home to several important churches and monuments, including the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, which dates back to the 13th century, and the Castle of Montenero, which was built in the 14th century.

Today, Montenero Val Cocchiara remains a small but vibrant community, known for its beautiful scenery, rich traditions, and warm, welcoming people. It's a place that holds a special place in the hearts of the Ziroli family and many others who are proud to call it their ancestral home.