Vinchiaturo

Vinchiaturo is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Campobasso in the Italian region Molise, located about 10 kilometres (6 mi) southwest of Campobasso with a population of 3368 people (31-12-2022).

Vinchiaturo
Comune
Comune di Vinchiaturo
Location of Vinchiaturo
Vinchiaturo Location of Vinchiaturo in Italy Show map of Italy Vinchiaturo Vinchiaturo (Molise) Show map of Molise
Coordinates: 41°30′N 14°35′E
Country	Italy
Region	Molise
Province	Campobasso (CB)
Government
• Mayor	Luigi Valente
Area [1]
• Total	35.5 km2 (13.7 sq mi)
Elevation	620 m (2,030 ft)
Population  (31 December 2010)[2]
• Total	3,185
• Density	90/km2 (230/sq mi)
Demonym	Vinchiaturesi
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	86019
Dialing code	0874
Website	Official website

History

The name of the town derives from the Latin vincula catenis, meaning "prison with chains".

The town was already existing during the year 1000 "anno mille" and was depending on the monastery of Santa Maria di Monteverde.

In 1349 the city was devastated by an earthquake, which resulted in its displacement from Monteverde further downstream. A subsequent earthquake in 1805 destroyed the town, which was rebuilt in the Umbertine style, particularly the neoclassical church of Santa Croce.

During the era of Fascist Italy, Vinchiaturo was the site of a small fascist internment camp administered and operated by the province of Campobasso. It was a women-only camp located in a private house and could only hold less than 50 people. For the most part, the camp housed foreign women from Russia, Poland, and Hungary, along with what were categorized as "foreign Jews" and "former Yugoslavs". Some of the women were described as prostitutes. Overcrowding was a serious problem and at least two suicide attempts were recorded. The camp remained in operation until September 1943, just after the Armistice of Cassibile, at which point the people were freed.^[3]

City Coat

The city's coat of arms was recognized by decree of the head of government on March 18, 1936.

Vinchiaturo borders the following municipalities: Baranello, Busso, Campobasso, Campochiaro, Colle d'Anchise, Guardiaregia, Mirabello Sannitico, San Giuliano del Sannio.