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- Region
Molise is possibly Italy's least known province, it borders with Campania and Puglia and is mostly mountainous despite a 35km stretch on the Adriatic coast. This relatively young province was once part of Abruzzo but became a separate entity in 1963.
The region looks set to become famous after a record breaking white truffle weighing in at 1.5kg worth over €15,000.00 was found in December 2008. Because it sees fewer tourists than most regions, Molise has fewer hotels. Most hotels will be found along the coast or in Campobasso with some in Isernia. There are agriturismo accommodations and campsites can to be found in the countryside. Rarely visited by Italians let alone other Europeans the areas unparalleled beautiful wilderness, with gorges, lakes and waterfalls is to be recommended for the seasoned traveller with a taste for getting off the beaten track.
- Provinces
Campobasso
Campobasso is surrounded by a myriad of quaint, ancient stone villages to visit in the surrounding hills and his home to Italy's Carabinieri school. Campobasso is renown for its craftsmanship in particular the production of knives, blades and Cutlery. Its best to start at the very top of town near the castle and wind your way down through the picturesque old town. The town of Termoli is a fishing port with a long, sandy beach. The town has pale stone buildings and an interesting 13th century cathedral. Termoli has a castle, good views, and great seafood restaurants.
Isernia
Isernia has been destroyed and rebuilt over 12 times and as such has been victim to some modern development, however there are some beautiful corners to this resilient province. The Fraternia Fountain which was built by a local affluent family who were direct descendants of Pontius Pilate. There is also a beautiful Cathedral which looks like an ancient Roman building. Isernia has a flourishing stone and embroidery trade. Agnone is a small town known for its bell factories. For the past thousand years, Agnone has made bells for the Vatican and many other countries. Today one foundry still operates and has a small museum.
- Culture
Molise is steeped in years of history and was originally created in 1963. From 1864-1963 Molise was part of the Region of Abruzzi e Molise then was formed in its own right with 2 districts:
Campobasso and Isernia; which are now the two province of Molise. After the demise of the Romans Molise was captured by the Goths then Lombards then in 860AD the Saracens captured this region and ruined Isernia, Telese, Alife, Sepino, Boiano and Venafro. Upon the turn of the 10th century there were 9 countdoms: Venafro, Larino, Trivento, Bojano, Isernia, Campomarino, Termoli, Sangro, Pietrabbondante. This regions art quite simply takes your breath away and stands miles apart from most Italian history due to the 19th Century crypt of San Lorenzo in San Vincenzo al Volturno which represents, style and a unique event of great value. The artefacts in Romanesque style show traces of the influence of the connecting Apulia region and gives you a real flavour of the Baroque style, with Roman and Neapolitan influences.
During your time to this wonderfully flamboyant area why not take a stroll to the cities cultural centre and fantastic castle of the Longobard period; the Romanesque churches of San Bartolomeo and San Giorgino. There is an abundance of things to see and do here, for those who enjoying delving into years gone by a trip to the church of Sant Antonino Abate is something that cannot be missed, this is home to a variety of carvings and wooden sculptures of 16th century artists of Molise. Just a short drive away from the centre stands the marvellous Romanesque Santa Maria della Strada, or take a trip to Isernia, the Civic Museum holds Samnitic epigraphs and sculptures.
- Activities
- Visit Europe's largest Paleolithic settlement dating back between 800 and 900 thousand years old!
- Go horse riding through the mountains
- Visit Agnone a pretty town in a wonderful position, nestled into the hills above the Verrino river
- Visit Sepino, an ancient site, which is famous also for its thermal waters.
- Scapoli is known for its summer bagpipe (zampogna) market where you'll find a great display of bagpipes traditionally used by shepherds of the Molise
- Visit one of the oldest towns in Molise, Venafro which produces good olive oil. It's oval-shaped piazza was originally the Roman Amphitheater and the arcades are incorporated into the front doors of the houses.
- Take a trip to Ferrazzano a hill top medieval village with a good historic center and a megalithic wall 3 km long. It's also the home of actor Robert de Niro and holds film festivals in his honour.
- Winter sports in the small resort of Campitello Matese
- Travel
By Plane
Ryan Air files into Pescara Airport, otherwise connecting flights are available from Rome or Naples followed by 2-3 hour car drive.
By Train
Molise has a connecting train line to Naples, Rome, Sulmona and Pescara.
By Train
There is generally a good bus service to the smaller villages
By Car
Car hire from on of the larger towns is generally your best option in Molise.
- Weather
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