The town takes its name from “coppa,” a topographical configuration from which the original ideographic symbol “Q” was derived, representing the circle of mountains with the Lavello Gorge as their only outlet. The historic center of Cusano Mutri is a tangle of streets, alleys, and imposing stairways constructed of local stone. From the central Piazza Ortelli, ascending Via Cerro, the remains of the Tower and Castle lead to Piazza Lago, the ancient Tower of Via Ripe, the panoramic Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, the characteristic Quartiere Lungo with the Porta di Mezzo, the Parish Church of San Nicola, the amphitheater in Piazza Roma, the Church of San Giovan Battista… a succession of glimpses, emotions, and panoramas. A historic center to be discovered around every corner, to be admired in its portals, to be contemplated in every church, to be breathed in in every alley.

SPINA SANTA
The church of San Giovanni Battista in Cusano Mutri possesses a Thornthat has always been believed to have come from Christ’s crown. It is a thorn about two and a half centimeters long, one of which is attached to a torch to anchor it. Tradition holds that this wooden goad, along with two others, was brought by a crusader, a certain Barbato Castello, returning from the Holy Land. In 1693, the Thorn turned twice as red as a lit candle. This also happened twice on February 3, 1710, during the procession of Sant’Onofrio. Another miracle is described in detail in the notarial deed of August 3, 1805. That day, since the earthquake that had begun on July 26 was still ongoing, a penitential procession was held, carrying the “Holy Thorn,” another monstrance with the relic of the Wood of the Holy Cross, and the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows to Mount Calvary. Once there, while the blessing was being imparted with the said relic, the tip of the relic turned white, as if it were about to blossom. This very moving penitential procession is still held today on August 3.

The town’s typical products are mainly porcini mushrooms and chestnuts. Among the traditional dishes, “zuppa a’ Santella” is worth mentioning, made with escarole, meatballs, and chicken broth.

MUSHROOM SAGRA
The appointment par excellence at the end of summer for tens of thousands of visitors from all over Italy to taste the various mushroom-based dishes that are offered to them: gnocchi, tagliatelle, risotto, polenta and lasagna with porcini mushrooms, mixed mushroom soup, roasts, pizzas and bruschetta with porcini sauce, porchetta stuffed with mushrooms, stuffed rustics, breaded mushrooms, mushroom stew and many others. But the festival is also culture with the numerous exhibitions that are set up, it is leisure with the shows, it is a search for genuineness with the exhibition – market of handicrafts and typical local products, where you can buy honey,
oregano, strawberry and herbal liqueurs, nocillo, pecorino cheese, kitchen utensils, various handmade wooden objects, wicker baskets of all sizes, stone mortal, ceramics, embroidery, knitting.
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Corpus Christi Flower Festival
For over a century, the tradition of decorating the town’s streets, squares, and churches with flowers has been practiced in Cusano Mutri, a testament to the deeply rooted Catholic faith among the people. These churches are covered with paintings made from flower petals and plant materials, depicting sacred images, reproducing works by famous artists or original creative ideas from master flower decorators. Along the streets, squares, and alleys of the historic center, the artistic carpet is laid out early in the morning on Corpus Christi, allowing visitors to admire its beauty until the afternoon procession passes by. In the churches, the decorations are laid out starting on Saturday, continuing through the night until the work is completed early on Sunday morning.

Lavello Gorges
In the Cusano Mutri area, along the Titerno River, there are trails, caves, ravines, and gorges open to visitors. The Lavelle Gorges are located 5 km from the town center, in the canyon between Mounts Erbano and Cigno. They can be reached via a dedicated guided trail that includes other important sites of naturalistic and historical interest, such as the Closed or Brigands’ Cave, the Fairies’ Cave, the Witches’ Cave, the Belvedere, the Mill Bridge, and Zì Fiore’s Mill.