Campobasso - San Bartolomeo

Campobasso was probably established before the 8th century as a fortified camp of Lombards at the foot of the present castle hill. After the Normans conquered southern Italy in the 11th century, Campobasso lost its importance as a defensive stronghold but became a significant trading and administration center.

Originally Campobasso was located on top of the mountain near the castle and churches. San Bartolomeo may be a century younger as neighboring San Giorgio, so this building is probably from the 13th century, though older parts have been reused. The tympanum shows Christ in a mandorla in a Greek/Byzantine gesture of blessing.