Molise is situated in central-south Italy and stretches between the Apennine ridge and the Adriatic Sea.
Nature, history, art, old traditions and food are the treasures of this little known land.
Visiting Molise you will feel like “discovering” a new region, starting from its mainly mountainous and hilly territory, furrowed by the typical “tratturi”, the historic routes of transhumance that join the pastures of Abruzzo to those of Puglia.
The National Park of Abruzzo, Latium and Molise reveals unexpected and magnificent landscapes, while the several natural reserves protect the typical vegetable and animal species of this area. Sceneries of pure nature frame the two most important ski resorts in the region: Campitello Matese and Capracotta.
The coast has sandy beaches, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, as well as a clean and limpid sea that was awarded the European Blue Flag again this year.
The millenary history and culture of this region can be discovered visiting the archaeological sites, abbeys, small towns and several castles of the territory.
The survival of customs and traditions, of handicrafts and old jobs that have disappeared elsewhere, is a unique characteristic that makes Molise a “small ancient world”.
The provinces of the region are Campobasso (regional capital) and Isernia.
The itinerary to discover this region starts from Campobasso, a town rich in history and culture, dominated by the stately Manforte castle. Particularly important is the Samnite Museum, which exhibits precious vestiges of the peoples that inhabited the territory from protohistory to the samnite period.
The historical town of Isernia is interesting, too, with its mountain of the eleventh century and the ancient prehistoric area, situated just outside built-up areas.
It is worth visiting two small towns that still hand down ancient crafts: Agnone, specializing in the creation of bells for the most important churches in the world, and Scapoli, the town of bagpipes which dedicated a museum to this ancient music instrument.
Important are the archaeological sites of the region, like the Samnite town of Pietrabbondante with its beautiful theater, Sepino with the ruins of Roman buildings, and Larino, which combines precious Roman remains with a magnificent example of medieval art: a Roman and Gothic cathedral.
Some other important towns are Termoli, tourist resort and famous port, with the stately Svevo Castle and the Romanesque cathedral, and Venafro, with Pandone castle, the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral and the Roman and pre-Roman archaeological remains.
Several are the castles in this territory, like that of Pescolanciano, as well as the abbeys and sanctuaries, like the Benedectine Badia di San Vincenzo al Volturno, the Sanctuary Addolorata di Castelpetroso and the Sanctuary Canneto in Roccavivara.
Finally, some splendid examples of Romanesque architecture are the St. George Church in Petrella Tifernina and the church of Santa Maria della Strada in Matrice.
Sports lovers must absolutely go to Campitello Matese, the most snowy ski resort in central-south Italy.
From the tops of the Apennine to the coast, the uncontaminated natural environment of Molise is a perfect place for relax, sports and excursions in the most typical locations of the region.
Nature lovers can go walking or trekking in several protected areas: in the typical Apennine landscape of the National Park of Abruzzo, Latium and Molise, or in a variegated environment like that of the WWF Reserve of Guardaregia-Campochiaro, among woods, streams, gorges and falls. Many hilly areas can be visited mountain biking, but you can also take scenic cycle routes along the coast.
In the heart of nature you can also enjoy a unique experience like a horse-ride along the “tratturi”, the millenary paths of transhumance that represent the true peculiarity of Molise. In Pescolanciano, in several areas of Campobasso and around the region, these historic paths are an occasion to dip into local history and culture. The emotion of skiing in the mountains is ensured by the system of slopes of Campitello Matese, the most important ski resort in Molise, as well as that of Capracotta, also renowned for its cross-country ski tracks.
From Termoli to Campomarino, you can spend quiet holidays on the coast and practice all water sports amid wide and sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and modern facilities.
Gluttons can follow the food and wine itineraries that start from the upper coast of Molise, passing through vineyards and picturesque small towns and stopping to taste wine and typical products, even the renowned white truffle of San Pietro Avellana.
Molise, a land of old traditions, offers several spiritual routes in beautiful natural environments to reach the Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Canneto in Roccavivara, or the fascinating Addolorata Sanctuary in the steep mountains of Castelpetroso.
Finally, you cannot miss the many events and fairs that keep local traditions alive: the International Festival of bagpipes in Scapoli, the Fair of white truffles in San Pietro Avellana, folk events like “La ‘Ndocciata”, a torch-light procession with traditional costumes that takes place every year in Agnone, Pezzata, a lamb fair in Capracotta, and many more.
In this agricultural land, regional food is based on the products of the earth and of sheep-breeding, and is also influenced by the nearby regions.
There are many typical dishes in Molise: from maccheroni alla chitarra to pallotte with cheese and eggs, pasta and beans, polenta, lamb and roast turcinelli, that is lamb offal.
Among the best products of the area are extra-virgin olive oil, Isenia truffle and durum wheat pasta. There are several types of salami and cold pork meat, like the saggicciotti, liver sausages, ventricina salami and pampanera, oven-dried bacon with hot pepper.
Dairy products are really special in this region, particularly caciocavallo and stracciata of Agnone and Alto Molise, fior di latte mozzarella from Boiano, buffalo mozzarella from Venafro and pecorino of Matera. Scamorza and burrino are produced everywhere in Molise; the latter is made up of an external part of caciocavallo and a buttery heart.
Local wines are excellent, including Biferno and Pentro.
Among the typical desserts of Molise, we highlight mostarda d’uva (a typical jam made with grapes in the country of Molise); then cauciuni (pastry stuffed with chickpea cream), ostie farcite (wafers stuffed with walnuts and almonds), peccellate (pastry stuffed with grape syrup or jams) and cippillati (baked ravioli stuffed with sour black cherries) are the best way to end up a good meal.
