Torella del Sannio is an ancient town set on a plateau, surrounded by sunshine, fertile fields and the rolling mountains of southern Italy.

Our history

Torella del Sannio is a town situated in the province of Campobasso, Italy in the Apennines of Molise. At 839 meters above sea level, this quaint town is lies between the mountains and fresh water tributaries that all flow into the Biferno and Trigno rivers. Torella is believed to have been founded aroun 800 BC and its focal point remains a medieval cast-tower of the 12th century.

The name Torella comes from the local dialect meaning little tower.

The name Torella first appeared in the historical records with the name Turellam in the catalogue of the Angevin barons; in the following centuries the fiefdom chained many lords, the last of them being the Francone family.

Torella del Sannio features a Medieval Castle on the highest part of the village. Surrounding it is a fortress in the shape of a diamond with round towers at the corners, which was transformed during the Renaissance period of the 15th century.

Patron Saint of Terilla Del Sannio-San Clemente Martire

The Patron Saint of Terella is san Clemente martire and it has been said that the relics of the Martire, "come si evince calla boll ache le accompagno" came from the catacombs of Santa priscilla in Rome on the 16th of May 1773, which were donated by pope Clemente XIV to the Archbishop of Cosenza, Gennaro Clemente Francone a brother of Giovanni, utile signore of Torella, for the Torellesi to worship.

Annually the celebration feast is held on the Tuesday following the Pentecostal on the 15th of october in occasion of the "fiera", which is dedicated to San Clemente Martire.

Immigration

Due to the post war economic challenges in Italy and more specifically in south-central italy, many Torellessi began to look outside of the town in search of a better future. Therefore, between 1950 - 1970 there was a mass exodus and nearly 50 percent of the town's people left Torella, most immigrating to Canada and the United States. Many Torellessi settled in Toronto and the surrounding areas and through hard work, commitment and integrity built a future for themselves and their families.

Although Canada has provided the greatest foundation possible for the Torellessi to live a meaningful and successful life for themselves and their families, for many a part of their heart and soul will always remain in the little village of the rolling hills of Molise.

Photo Credit: Dan Diffendale