The Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society
 of the Washington, D.C. Area

Isernia
Map of Isernia Province
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Fountain of the Fraterna
Fountain of the Fraterna Situated on a rocky crest rising between the Carpino and the Sorsi rivers, Isernia still reflects with its road plan the ancient structure of the Roman town, with a central wide street and side streets on both sides. It is now the Capital city of the province of Isernia, and a flourishing center of pasta makers, stone work and embroidery crafts. The name of the town comes from the Italic root "raiser" meaning "god".
Aesernia was the capital of the Samnites, and in 263 BC Rome established a colony here, a key communication center between Southern Italy and the inner Appennine Regions. During the social wars against Rome, the Italic League established their capital here. Under Rome it was a "municipium" and its inhabitants enjoyed Roman citizenship. In 800 it was destroyed by the Saracens, then sacked in 1199 by Marcovaldo, Count of Molise, then set on fire in 1223 by the soldiers of Frederick II. In 1519 it was freed from the feudal servitude by king Charles V and became a free city. Massive destruction was caused by earthquakes in 847, 1349, 1456 and 1805. During the second world war air bombings destroyed over half the city, killing one third of the population.

Isernia sorge nella parte occidentale del Molise, dove il fiume Sorsi e il Carpino si uniscono a formare il Cavaliere. E' centro vivace e la sua struttura urbanistica rispecchia molto l'antico segno romano. Nel 1970 fu dichiarata capoluogo di provincia. Colonia romana nel 263 ac, Isernia acquistò un'importanza notevole nei rapporti con la capitale. Invasa poi dai Saraceni e dai Barbari e distrutta da numerosi terremoti, la città ebbe un lento declino. Molte furono le dominazioni che si susseguirono fino all'800 sia da parte degli Angioini, degli Aragonesi e dei Borboni . Il terremoto del 1805 ed i bombardamenti della grande guerra portarono ad Isernia gravi danni.

Municipalities, cities, towns, vilages in the Province of Isernia Map of Isernia Province