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Molise, the complete guide

A region rich in history and beauty, to be discovered 

Molise is the second smallest region in Italy after the Aosta Valley and is a territory rich in history and culture incredibly little known.

It is a predominantly mountainous area of Italy located in the south central part of the Italian peninsula that extends from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. On the coast there are important seaside resorts that have become popular holiday destinations.

Molise has a very long history that can be discovered thanks to the many things to see in this region of Italy. Among the treasures of Molise there are also many food and wine excellences of these territories famous in particular for the production of olive oil and wine.

What to see and do in Molise 

Molise is a small region but offers its visitors many wonders to discover such as its enchanting villages on the hills and thick woods. You go from the mountain to the sea with its golden beaches. The capital of the region is Campobasso which is located at a height of 700 meters from sea level. This makes it the third highest regional capital in Italy.

The ancient part of the city lies on the slope of the hill while the most modern extends into the plain. In the original area there is the Castle of Monforte that dominates from the top of the hill all Campobasso. Another place to visit is a small historic village not far from Campobasso. Ferrazzano is an ancient village perched on a hill from which you can admire a magnificent view.

Very interesting also the other province of this region or Isernia. In the lower part of the city has been preserved its original appearance. The province of Isernia also has a lot to offer, like the village of Frosolone, located halfway between Campobasso and Isernia. One of the most interesting aspects of Molise is the presence of many small medieval villages where the charm of the past has remained intact.

Among these are absolutely to visit among others also Agnone and the village of Oratino. Finally, Molise also boasts the presence of over 35 kilometers of beaches. The main town of this wonderful area is Termoli where the Swabian Castle is located, among the beaches we also point out those of Campomarino, Montenero di Bisaccia and Petacciato.

Molise what is and where is it 

Molise is a small predominantly mountainous and hilly region bordered to the north by Abruzzo, to the west by Lazio, to the south west by Campania, to the south east by Puglia and finally to the east by the Adriatic Sea. The capital is Campobasso which together with Isernia is the only province of this small region of Italy. Its foundation took place in 1963 following the detachment with Abruzzo. The Matese mountain that is located on the border with Abruzzo is a massif whose highest peak is Mount Miletto 2050 meters high.

The history of Molise 

The Molise although it is a region established only in recent times has a long history to its shoulders. These territories were the ancestral home of the Samnites. The oldest settlements in the region according to the findings date back to the Paleolithic and there are also numerous finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Age.

It was then conquered in the III century A. C. by the Roman Empire after bitter battles that forced the Samnites who occupied these territories to submit. All major Molise cities became Roman colonies. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Molise was invaded by the Goths from 535 to 553 D. C. and later by the Lombards.

Their domination of the region lasted over two centuries. In the ninth century there were the Saracen invasions that greatly weakened the economy of these territories. In the X century, autonomous feudal lordships were born and formed several counties. In 1143, the Molise fief became part of the Kingdom of Naples.

In the period of the late Middle Ages the Gypsies invaded and then in the 15th century the Albanians. In 1558 part of the territory of Molise was annexed to the Capitanata until the annexation in 1860 to the Kingdom of Italy.

Molise: the gastronomic excellence 

The Molise region boasts a traditional cuisine that offers a wide variety of products rich in authentic flavors. Here is present the agricultural vocation and therefore the typical recipes are based on the products of the land and of the shepherding. One of the most characteristic first courses is that of macaroni on guitar. Another traditional recipe is that of roasted turcinelli that are formed by lamb entrails. The truffle of Isernia is one of the great excellences of this territory.

Another prerogative of Molise cuisine are dairy products. Among the most famous and appreciated are the caciocavallo and stracciato di Agnone. As for desserts, grape mostarda and cauciuni are worth a mention. These are sweets filled with pasta and chickpeas. Molise’s wine production is also of excellent quality, such as Biferno and Pentro. Visit this little treasure called Molise and you will not regret it.

Copertina: italyeventsdmc

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