The town's name, over the centuries has been subject to numerous interpretations: it probably takes its origins from the Latin person's name Carvilius, a Roman consul involved in the Samnite wars. Municipality in the province of Isernia, located 860 meters above sea level, between three mountains (Coste, Ingitte and Ferrante), a cluster of houses that stands out in the countryside, creating a very attractive scenario. It is well known for the production of truffles. The municipal area is crossed by the river Trigno and is part of the Oasis Colle Arso with a series of springs and a forest of oaks and firs, that represents the ideal habitat for a rich fauna. Among the several districts, at only two kilometers from the capital, stands the famous borgo of Castiglione di Carovilli. The local economy is based mainly on dairy products, stone, wood and rattan handicraft activities and the production of lace and gold objects.
The settlement's origins are uncertain due to a fire, that in the XIX century destroyed most of the archives of the Town Hall. Anyhow, traces attest the presence of settlements in the area since the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods, while ruins of the massive fortified walls are attributed to the Samnites. For certain, in the Middle Ages, the town was a stronghold of the Borrello and in the early XVIII century it was assigned in fief to the Duke of Pescolanciano and was ruled by his descendants until the abolition of feudalism.
Attractions:
- the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in the X century, features a classical façade surmounted by a pediment. The building, with its three naves, is flanked by a massive bell tower with a square base divided into several floors and is topped by a pyramidal spire. It houses the relics of the patron, a baptistry dating from the XVII century, several valuable wooden statues, paintings, fonts of the Romanesque era, an XVIII century altar and a late XIX century organ;
- the Church of St. Nicholas on the Hill;
- the Church of San Domenico;
- the Church of Carmelo;
- the home of St. Stefano del Lupo, the patron saint of the town;
- the ruins of the Convent of San Pietro del Tasso;
- the remains of megalithic walls;
- the Clock Tower;
- the Samnite Temple