Discover the history of Saint George and its bond with the city of Campobasso.

Saint George is the patron saint of over one hundred cities in Italy, including one regional capital, Campobasso.
It is perhaps one of the best known saints, the subject of an ancient and widespread cult: the iconography of the saint riding his horse in the act of piercing the dragon was a theme dear to artists of all time.
The episode of the girl, in the clutches of the dragon, saved by the saint is in fact the best known legend. The symbol par excellence of the faith that triumphs over evil.

Who was Saint George?
There are more myths and legends related to the figure of Saint George than certain biographical information.
George was born in Cappadocia, today’s Turkey, around 280 AD. from a Christian family. He moved to Palestine to join the army of the Roman emperor until, in 303 AD, the emperor Diocletian issued the edict of persecution against Christians.
George did not deny the Christian faith and, for this reason, he was tortured and beheaded.
The crusaders helped to transform the figure of St. George from martyr to warrior saint.

Why is Saint George the patron of Campobasso?
We are in 1200 during a battle between various Molise municipalities and Campobasso. Legend has it that Campobasso, invoking the help of Sain George, managed to win the battle. 
An authentic seal by Monsignor Celestino Bruno, bishop of Bojano, on 16th of April 1661, recognized the miracle made by Saint George during the battle of 1200 in Campobasso.
From that date, the young fighter for the faith becomes officially the patron saint of the city, as it is written on an inscription on one of the bells of the church of Saint George, the oldest church in Campobasso.

Brunella Muttillo

Photo: Saint George defeating the dragon, piazza Municipio, Campobasso.