The small village of Montenero Val Cocchiara (IS) rises on a hill between the Volturno and Sangro valleys.
The residential centre, of medieval origin, is characterised by grey stone houses who bear witness to ancient roots, set in a landscape that alternates bare, rocky outcrops with vast areas of pasture. In the historical centre is the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, with three naves, multi-coloured marble altars, a choir stall in inlaid wood and a portico with 17 openings.
The notable 300 hectare swamp Pantano della Zittola is filled with water in the Autumn but generally provides a large green pasture for grazing horses, in particular the local pentro horse. The village’s main economic activity is livestock and horse breeding which attracts interest from nature lovers and tourists alike. The number of visitors rises particularly in August with the “rodeo pentro”, a competition to mount and break wild horses in the style of the famous American rodeos.
