Sunday, July 20, 2025
Castelbottaccio, July 26, 2025
On July 26, the Town of Castelbottaccio pays tribute to a citizen who, with a heroic gesture, saved the country from German retaliation in 1943. The day will include the naming of an avenue and a public conference held by scholars and professors from the University of Studi del Molise and the University of the Third Age and Leisure.
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, an official ceremony will be held in memory of Irene Pepe, the protagonist of a crucial episode during the Second World War. The initiative, promoted by the Town of Castelbottaccio, includes two main moments:
After the institutional greetings from Mayor Mario Disertore, the following speakers will present:
The conference will be moderated by Annamaria Zampino, niece of Irene Pepe.
Prof. Nocera and Dr. Salvatore will discuss the historical context of the Second World War in Molise, while Paolo Giordano, who has previously written about Irene Pepe, will offer an in-depth reconstruction of the event.
The story of Irene Pepe, a brave woman and mother of six, is tied to an event in 1943, when Castelbottaccio risked becoming the site of a brutal German retaliation. During the German retreat, Irene intervened to save a young order carrier who was about to be executed by disbanded Italian soldiers at a place called “San Oto.” Hearing of the incident, Irene gathered many women from the village and confronted the soldiers, ultimately saving the young man’s life and averting German reprisals against the town.
Her courage came at great personal risk. During the retreat, her 15-year-old son Fernando was nearly taken by German soldiers. However, thanks to the intervention of a passer-by who spoke German and explained who Fernando was, the Germans spared him, recognizing the family’s earlier act of mercy.
For years, Irene Pepe’s actions survived only in the oral tradition. Today, thanks to her granddaughter Annamaria’s curiosity and the research of local scholars, her story has come to light and become part of the collective memory of the town.
“Blessed by a whole people, she will be regretted by all.”
This inscription on her tombstone inspired the historical rediscovery of her courageous act. The ceremony on July 26 serves as a moment to reflect on the power of memory, and on the civil strength of those who chose to oppose violence with only the courage of their presence and words.
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We're just a couple of Americans that want to tell the world about our little slice of paradise called Castelbottaccio, Italy.
