Photo of Lokomotiw. Located in the South – East of Italy , almost swallowed up between the neighboring regions of Abruzzo, Puglia and Campania, Molise is a small and peaceful region that is quite undervalued and often even forgotten. But in reality it is a wonderful region, where nature, history, art, ancient traditions and gastronomy are real treasures. Here are cities and destinations in Molise for a wonderful holiday!
1 – Campobasso
Photo of trolvag. The city of Campobasso, the capital of the Molise region , rises 700 m above sea level and thanks to its very favorable position offers truly suggestive views. Definitely worth visiting is the Monforte Castle, located on a hill overlooking the whole city, the Cathedral of 1504, the Church of San Bartolomeo, in Romanesque style, the Church of S. Antonio Abate, with the late Renaissance facade and the Baroque interior, the Church of San Leonardo dating back to the 13th century and the Church of San Giorgio built in the 12th century in full Gothic style. The city also hosts the Museum of the Nativity, a collection of ancient nativity scenes , including some from the 18th century.
The territory of the province of Campobasso is then rich in archaeological finds , such as the village of Campomarino, dating back to prehistoric times, and the numerous necropolises, such as the necropolis of Termoli, with the remains of 141 tombs, the Guglionesi tombs, the Samnite burial ground of Gildonea and the Lombard necropolis of iCampochiaro, from the early Middle Ages.
SEE ALSO : Campobasso: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
2 – Ferrazzano and Oratino, Castello d’Evoli
Photo by Pietro. Land of migrants, Ferrazzano is a small town where houses “embrace” each other . In a strategic position on the ancient communication routes of Molise, the village of Ferrazzano offers glimpses of great beauty and tells, through its very shape, the need to protect homes from the cold . Among the points of interest there is the Carafa castle, one of the most important castles of Molise, and the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with the romantic portal.
A little more than 10 km away, we find Oratino,village that gives the opportunity to get to know the interior of Molise . The country where “many arts of taste are cultivated”. To be admired wherever you look, portals, balconies and balustrades, but also the interiors of churches. All the work of blacksmiths, stonecutters, gilders, glassmakers and local painters, many of whom trained in the Neapolitan environment.
In the area, lovers of castles cannot miss the Castello d’Evoli di Castropignano, built around the middle of the fourteenth century, and Castello Monforte, a national monument and symbol of the city of Campobasso .
3 – Civitacampomarano Castle
Photo by Vincenzo Piccinato. In the wide panorama of the fortified settlements of the Molise region, the Castle of Civitacampomarano is certainlyone of the most suggestive . Built around the 15th century as an imposing military fortress , it consists of a quadrangular wall with three cylindrical embattled towers. Each tower is characterized on the outside by slits and hanging arches supported by stone shelves.
The main entrance is via a staircase and a remarkable entrance portal in typical Catalan-Aragonese style. Two coats of arms are preserved above the keystone: that of the Carafa della Spina family and that of Paolo di Sangro, joined in turn to that of the Monforte to sanction the union of the two families. The coat of arms is then surmounted by a dragon that has two overturned lilies under its paws, allegorical testimony of the betrayal of the two families towards the Angevins in favor of the alliance with the Aragonese. Note, in the internal courtyard, the graceful “Samnite” fountain made up of a sculpture with four anthropomorphic figures.
4 – Castellino del Biferno
Photo of CIL GiovanniF. Small town of just over 500 inhabitants in the province of Campobasso, Castellino del Biferno overlooks the valley of the Biferno river and stands on a sandstone ridge450 m above sea level. It is nicknamed “the town that moves” because of the many landslides located throughout the municipal area. The intrinsic characteristics of the territory and the particular morphological and geological conformations of the subsoil, in fact, cause a slow but continuous erosion of the soil .
Interesting to see the Church dedicated to San Pietro in Vincoli, the most important church in the town where 13 statues are kept, the walnut choir of 1700 and the baptismal font carved in stone, the Chapel of the Beata Vergine delle Grazie and that of ‘Addolorata, near the Civic Tower. Furthermore, Castellino del Biferno is a town rich in water, both superficial and underground., the most important is the “Fontanino”.
5 – Gambatesa and Castello di Capua
Photo by Sicardus. About 30 km from Campobasso, on the border with Puglia, is Gambatesa, a small but characteristic village located on a hill facing Lake Occhito . From the typical structure of medieval villages, with alleys, arcades, courtyards and rapid stairways, the flagship of Gambatesa and its surprising Castle, one of the most beautiful in Molise , famous for its precious 16th century frescoes.
The Castle of Capua was born as a medieval manor with a massive appearance, then transformed into an elegant stately home in the Renaissance era. Exploring its rooms, what strikes and fascinates the visitor, ethe sixteenth-century cycle of frescoes of inestimable value and beauty . Painted by Donato da Copertino (or Decumbertino) and his disciples commissioned by Vincenzo I di Capua, Duke of Termoli and Count of Gambatesa, these frescoes, in perfect Mannerist style, reproduce mythological and allegorical episodes but also episodes from ancient history. Finally, the visit is completed by admiring the incomparable view of Lake Occhito and the nearby towns of Molise and Puglia, which can be enjoyed from the terrace of the castle.
6 – Fornelli and Volturno Valley
Photo by Massimiliano Scarabeo. On the right of the Volturno river, Fornelli rises, a small village nestled in a hilly landscape. Here, in fact, an excellent oil is produced, it is no coincidence that the town is part of the National Association of Oil Towns. The historic center is developed around the marquis palace which, together with the church, gave life to the first nucleus of the town, which was then enlarged during the Middle Ages and surrounded by walls with 7 defense towers and the patrol walkway still visible today.
The Volturno Valley is a splendid area of ​​Molise, on the border with Lazio and Abruzzo, characterized by unspoiled nature . Here is Venafro, nicknamed the “gate of Molise”, known for the Roman amphitheater, also known as the “Verlasce” and for the beautiful old town dominated by the elegant Pandone Castle with sixteenth-century frescoes.
Not far from Venafro is Castel San Vincenzo, a small urban center of 600 inhabitants where the ancient Benedictine monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno stands . Finally we mention the lake of Castel San Vincenzo , an artificial reservoir that blends in well with the landscape, in which to engage in fishing and other water sports.
7 – Castelli del Matese
Photo by Ra Boe / Wikipedia. An extremely fascinating area of ​​Molise is that of the Castelli del Matese, dotted, as the name suggests, with fairytale castles and delightful villages . In the Borgo di Civita Superiore, there are the remains of the castle of Civita di Boiano, which were part of the state-owned fortresses of Emperor Frederick II .
In a somewhat bucolic area, immersed in the woods and almost on the border with Campania, is Roccamandolfi, a picturesque mountain center at the foot of the Matese massif . Its historic center is characterized by old houses perched around the church of San Giacomo Maggiore. Note, the statue of the Brigand, to testify the phenomenon of banditry that characterized the town. And to dominate the inhabited area, the ruins of the Rocca, which overlooks it from a hill from which to enjoy a breathtaking view.
Also at the foot of the Matese, Monteroduni rises, whose narrow streets and houses of the historic center rise around the most important monument of the town: the Pignatelli Castle. Surrounded by a mighty wall, with four cylindrical towers at the corners, a Lombard fortress first and then a Norman one, today it is a splendid noble residence.
8 – Altilia Sepino Archaeological Area and WWF Gaurdiaregia Campochiaro Reserve
Photo by Pietro Valocchi. For lovers of ancient history we recommend a visit to Altilia Sepino (Saepinum), “the unearthed city”, a well-preserved testimony of an ancient city in the Roman province. In the ruins of this archaeological area it is possible to live a suggestive experience in contact with history, in a place that preserves exactly all the characteristics of the ancient urban structure .
Nature loversthey will find something to have fun at the WWF Oasis of Guardiaregia Campochiaro, the second largest WWF Oasis in Italy with an extension of 3135 hectares. At the Oasis it is possible to enjoy some spectacular karst phenomena, such as the Canyon of the Quirino torrent, the waterfall of San Nicola, the caves of Pozzo della Neve and Cul di Bove, counted among the deepest abysses in Europe. As for the flora, the attractions to admire are the centuries-old beech trees (the oldest is more than 500 years old!), While among the most interesting fauna species we should mention the spectacled salamander, the great spotted woodpecker, the dipper. and the polyxena, one of the most beautiful and colorful diurnal butterflies in Italy.
9 – Campitello Matese ski resort
Photo of Lokomotiw. Campitello Matese is a mountain resort located in the heart of the Molise Apennines , more specifically on the slopes of Monte Miletto (2,050 m). It represents one of the most important winter tourist destinations in Molise as it offers one of the snowiest ski resorts in central-southern Italy. The slopes are located between 1,450 and 1,900 m of altitude, with 6 lifts and 14 slopes of varying difficulty, for a total of about 40 km among the Samnite Apennines, which pedestrians and enthusiasts can admire from above thanks to the Caprio chairlift. And those who do not like skiing have the opportunity to make beautiful snowshoeing in the silence of nature through truly enchanting woods.
Near the slopes there are numerous accommodation facilities, a ski school, equipment rental and numerous activities and services that make your stay pleasant both
in summer and in winter . Campitello Matese is in fact the ideal destination
for families , friends and sportsmen who want to spend days of pure relaxation immersed in the wonderful views of the Molise mountains.
10 – Isernia, Frosolone and Castelpetroso Sanctuary
Photo by Sailko. Isernia is an ancient city and was the capital of the peoples of Samnite origins and still today it stands out for its narrow alleys, very suggestive and characteristic. Among the most interesting monumentswe find the Fontana Fraterna, built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries in honor of one of the illustrious citizens, Pope Celestino V. Also worth mentioning is the Cathedral, rebuilt in the nineteenth century after having suffered numerous damages due to earthquakes, which houses a beautiful icon of Byzantine style, known as “The Madonna of light”.
But not only the city of Isernia is interesting. Its province also offers attractions and places of interest . Starting from Frosolone, “the city of knives”, where you can visit the Museum of cutting tools, and the Sanctuary of Castelpetroso, a place of worship of extreme importance in the Catholic world, a pilgrimage destination from every corner of Italy.. The most suggestive way to reach it is along the Tobias Path, which combines the religious theme with the naturalistic theme.
SEE ALSO : Isernia: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
11 – Montedimezzo Reserve and Collemeluccio Reserve
Photo by Mario Rainaldi. For a holiday dedicated to unspoiled nature and breathtaking landscapes, the State Natural Reserve of Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo is ideal. Located in the heart of the Molise Apennines in Alto Molise, respectively in the territories of the municipalities of Vastogirardi and Pescolanciano, it is a natural area consisting of about 300 hectares, part of the 8 Italian “Biosphere Reserves”: the so-called MaB (Man and the Biosphere Program – Unesco Heritage 1971 – Man and the Biosphere), a network of locations and terrestrial and coastal / marine ecosystems recognized worldwide for their high naturalistic value .
The entire reserve is wooded and reaches altitudes between 900 and 1,300 m in height. There are turkey oaks, beeches and numerous other native species such as Lobelius maple, mountain, field and hedgehog maples, hornbeam, ash, hazel and numerous other species significant for feeding wildlife. The Reserve is home to numerous species of mammals including wild boars, hares, badgers and roe deer, but also birds such as the honey buzzard, the collared nurse and the dove.
12 – Alto Molise
Photo of Lucadideo. Mountains, small villages rich in history, handicraft productions and ancient traditions still alive . This and much more, what Upper Molise offers.
This is exactly where the visitor can doa leap into history at the time of the Samnites , visiting the elegant temple-theater complex of the precious archaeological area of ​​Pietrabbondante, or reliving the Middle Ages by reaching the beautiful castle of Alessandria di Pescolanciano. In the historic center of Agnone, however, walking through alleys and cobbled streets, it is possible to admire the many works of art preserved in its small churches; and again, discover the secrets of the ancient art of bell casting at the “Giovanni Paolo II” Bell History Museum and the millenary Marinelli Foundry.
Capracotta, on the other hand, will make ski lovers happy. But in addition to the ski resorts, the structures dedicated to winter sports and cross-country ski trails, this village of just over 900 inhabitants, in 2015 ended up on all the most important newspapers and TV in the world, for more than 256 centimeters of snow fell in about 16 hours. Event thanks to which the small town beat the record of 1921 in Colorado!
13 – Anfiteatro Larino
Photo by Pietro Valocchi. The Roman Amphitheater of Larino represents an important testimony of a place of the past intended for public games . The ancient structure could hold about 18,000 spectators and it is assumed that it was built around the 1st century AD. During the medieval period, that structureI retain an important role as it was used by the local inhabitants themselves as a place to defend themselves . Then, when the Roman Larinum was definitively abandoned, some sectors of the amphitheater were destined for various uses: homes, craft shops and burial places.
The visitor today still manages to observe the typical elliptical shape . The four Gates are still present: North Gate (the gate of the gladiators or the winning beasts), South Gate (the door of the vanquished) West Gate and East Gate (side entrances for the access of spectators).
14 – Termoli
Photo by Alexandertpr12. Awarded several times with the Blue Flag of Europedue to the clarity of its sea, Termoli offers tourists equipped beaches and many hotel and sports services.
The ancient village of Termoli is surrounded by high and mighty fortified walls , the magnificent cylindrical tower of the ancient Swabian Castle, the only survivor and today a symbol of the city. The Swabian Castle is the most representative defensive building of the entire Molise coast . It was built in the thirteenth century to ensure the village a safe defense both from the sea and from the mainland. destroyed by the earthquake of 1456, it was then rebuilt with modifications based on the new construction techniques and the needs of war.
SEE ALSO : Termoli: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening
15 – Costa Verde and Tremiti Islands
And after all the above, Molise also offers the sea ! In just 35 km of coastline, the so-called Costa Verde, there are first-rate beaches, both for natural beauty and for the completeness of the services offered to tourists. The Sant’Antonio beach, the best served and therefore the most exploited by tourists , is the beach par excellence for the people of Termoli, from where, among other things, the tours to the Tremiti Islands and the ferries to Croatia depart. Immediately south of the center of Termoli is Rio Vivo , excellent for those who love sailing and water sports in general.
Just 10 km south of Termoli, we find Campomarino, an important center for Lombard and Norman populations, and still today a destination
sought-after tourism and in continuous development . North of Termoli is Marina di Petaccio, which offers wilder beaches full of dunes and surrounded by pine forests, as well as inhabited by sea birds.
At the northern end of the region, on the border with Abruzzo, Marina di Montenero di Bisaccia is a seaside resort with a transparent sea . The beach is sandy and the sea is calm. Ideal for families with children.
SEE ALSO : The most beautiful beaches of Molise
Organize your trip: how to get there and where to sleep
The great variety of attractions allows you to organize different thematic itineraries, also to be combined for longer and more varied holidays. If you arrive from far away, the closest and most convenient airport to land is Pescara (compare flights).
For a seaside holiday the Costa Verde is recommended, for example by staying in Campomarino (accommodations from € 67.00 per night). While in winter , for skiing on the slopes of Campitello Matese, there are numerous structures to choose from in Campitello Matese or Boiano (accommodations from € 49.00 per night )
. Monteroduni (accommodations from € 50.00 per night). Lovers of ancient historyinstead they can organize an itinerary that touches the main archaeological sites of the region. A strategic accommodation choice can be near Altia Sepino (accommodation from € 67.00 per night) and then join a naturalistic day at the WWF Oasis.
SEE ALSO : Most beautiful towns and villages in Molise
