At the time of Sanniti people, between VI and IV century B.C. the current territory of Montenerodomo was a fortified “oppidum”, a lookout post to supervise the routes and for strategic defence from Monti Pizzi to Monte Pallano. That is why Monteneromo has got the highest concentration of Megalithic Walls in the district, both near the residential area and on the surrounding hills, especially on Colle della Guardia and Monte di Maio. The rocky elevations ideally form an half circle which embraces the settlement of Iuvanum, strategically located in the plain and equidistant from Sangro and Aventino rivers, naturally defended by the Maiella massif and by the chain of Monti Pizzi.

The modern town of Montenerodomo is settled on two main hills: the higher Colle Valzo and the lower Monte Calvario. The polygonal fortified ring can now be seen only from the lower part and there possibly were no perimetral walls around the entire site where there are four parts of the fortified polygonal ring. Two of them are on the northern side of Monte Calvario and on both sides of the road going from Torricella Peligna to Montenerodomo. A third majestic part 10 meters long and 3 meters high can be seen from the football field.

The most outstanding stretch is certainly the one in the pinewood, where the Megalithic Walls are about 50 metres long and 2 metres wide. They stand as one of the most meaningful and spectacular proofs of the technical skills of Sanniti people. Huge blocks of local limestone which might even measure 2 metres so to shape a rudimental but functional defence barrier.

[Credits | Text: Ottavio Di Renzo De Laurentis | Translation: Mirella Rapa | Voice and music: Studio Qreate | Photo: Laura Di Biase]