- Macchiagodena
Infobox CityIT
img_coa =Macchiagodena-Stemma.gif
official_name = Comune di Macchiagodena
region =Molise
province = Isernia (IS)
elevation_m =864
area_total_km2 = 34
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 1961
mapx=41.55
mapy=14.12
name=Macchiagodena
population_density_km2 =58
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|41|34|N|14|24|E|display=inline,title
frazioni =
telephone = 0865
postalcode = 86096
gentilic =
saint =St. Nicholas
day = Third Sunday in May
mayor =
website = [http://www.comune.macchiagodena.is.it/ www.comune.macchiagodena.is.it]Macchiagodena is a town and commune in the
province of Isernia , (south centralItaly ) located high in theApennines mountains in the region ofMolise .History
The present name of the city appeared for the first time in a document of the year 964 CE as "Maccia de Godena". It was a garrison post between the Lombard countdoms of
Isernia andBoiano , and later an a sighting post along the Pescasseroli-Candela "tratturo" (shepherds' track). A great number of feudal lords came one after the other to take control of the castle (due to the high advantage point overlooking the valley), including the Pandoni and the Mormile.Many of the early to mid 20th Century inhabitants emigrated to all parts of the world, to Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada and USA.
Main sights
The Castle of Macchiagodena, with a polygonal plant, was constructed on one limestone cliff spur.Of the Castle today only the basements of the old wall and two towers remain. Also noteworthy is the Church of "Santa Maria Assunta", with a statue made by Francesco Saverio Citarelli from Naples, and a precious processional cross.
Culture
Macchiagodena is comprised mostly of farmers with a tightly knit community spirit. Every year during the 3rd Sunday in May a fine large fair is held to celebrate the feast day of San Nicola, the patron saint of the town.
A very peculiar tradition is still maintained by some of the population: known as "" ("kidnapping"), it consists in the kidnapping of the future bride some time before the wedding is celebrated. Another fine tradition is a local dance called "tuzacula".
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