Molise: from the mountain to the sea

Claudia Succi, Young Local Representative in Isernia is glad to guide you to discover her region. Molise is a small region located in the centre-south of Italy offering a wide range of natural landscapes and magnificent views you would hardly expect in a region which is pretty unknown. Whether you are looking for a fully inspiring experience or you cannot make your decision for your holidays between mountains and sea, this is the right place! Here below, a proposal of nine areas to visit for an emotional trip in the core of Italy. Nature, art, culture and tradition for your adventure from the west to the east of the region. Have a nice journey in Molise!

Castel San Vincenzo is one of the villages of Molise region to have been included in the Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. Here, people can visit an ancient Benedictine Monastery, one of the most important religious, historical and artistic centre of the entire region, located in the village of Castel San Vincenzo. It dates back to the VIII century and hosts the Abbot Epifanio’s crypt with a series of highly esteemed affrescos of IX century. From the monastery you will surely admire the striking view of Castel San Vincenzo lake. The village houses also the Museum of the Appennine Fauna “O. Caporaso”. Located in a baronial building, the museum provides visitors with a full collection of the fauna of the Mainarde mountains, including many species of birds, insects and embalmed animals.

Have you ever believed that a small region in the heart of Italy, which is still active in preserving and protecting biodiversity with its beaches on the eastern coast, could also have a famous centre for winter sports? Well, Campitello Matese offers white, gorgeous landscapes for skiing lovers. Yet, during the summertime you can enjoy a helicopter tour or go round by bike and on foot. Not very far from here, another spectacular spot will catch your eye: St. Nicolas waterfall which, together with the gorges of the River Quirino, are a WWF Oasis.

At the end of your “From the mountains to the sea” trip you arrive in Termoli, a town on the Adriatic Sea and a bathing centre which has often been awarded with the “Blue Flag of Europe” prize. From here you can reach the Tremiti Islands by motor-ship or by hydrofoil, but before leaving the town you should take the time to visit the Castle Swabian erected by Federico II in 1247. The castle - today a national monument and a regional historical museum – is made up of a tower with a square sill watching the sea and in the rooms located on the ground, representing the old jail, there are some VII century inscriptions specifying the names, dates of prisoners as well as the reasons of the stay. If you go to Termoli in summer you can join the Folklore festival (in July) and the Fish Feast (in August).