Discover Molise: Samnite History, Mountains and Coast

Molise between mountains, history and coast

Molise is ideal for travellers who want to combine landscapes, culture and regional characteristics. The region’s mountain landscapes include lakes, mountains and nature reserves. Inland, panoramic views alternate with spectacular landscapes, revealing Molise’s vast and varied natural environment. Along the coast, there are equipped beaches where you can enjoy water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, diving and stand-up paddleboarding.

History is also present in many villages, where historical traces of Samnite and Roman settlement have been preserved. The tratturi essentially cover the entire Molise region and offer unique routes through the area. These ancient grass tracks are associated with the seasonal transhumance of sheep herds. Sepino was an ancient Samnite centre along transhumance routes and later took on monumental Roman forms.

Museums and archaeological sites

In Sepino, the Museum of the City and Territory is housed in 18th-century rural buildings constructed on the curved structures of a Roman theatre. The museum displays material dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages, complementing the town’s historical character.

In Campobasso, the Museo archeologico nazionale di Campobasso has been housed since 1995 in the 18th-century Palazzo Mazzarotta in the historic centre. Its permanent exhibition is organised chronologically and thematically and includes material from the Bronze Age and the early Iron Age. The first floor focuses on the Samnites, their sanctuaries, trade and tombs; it also includes an important collection of votive statuettes of Hercules.

Another way to experience art and landscape awaits you at MAACK in Casacalenda. The open-air museum combines the village surroundings, woodland and contemporary art. It includes 21 works by Italian and international artists, as well as permanent or temporary installations. Visitors can explore MAACK along red, blue or green circular routes, or be accompanied by a local guide.

Excursions, mountains and regional experiences

The Molise Tour organised by the park administration combines a short walk with views of Lake Castel San Vincenzo and visits to the Zampogna Museum and the Abbey of Castel San Vincenzo. Campitello Matese is also visited by cyclists and climbers. A sanctuary lies on the southern flank of Monte Caraceno/Saraceno at an altitude of around 1,000 metres and offers sweeping views over the Trigno Valley. The theatre of the Italic sanctuary preserves the first three rows of stone seats with armrests carved in the shape of winged lion paws.

One of the special events in Campobasso is the Sagra dei Misteri, a Corpus Christi procession featuring 13 so-called Mysteries created by the artist Paolo Saverio di Zinno in 1748. The celebrations also include a procession with more than 100 ox carts decorated with paper flowers. Culinary interests can be combined with guided truffle-hunting walks and cheese tastings held directly in a maturation cellar.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

Molise has no airports of its own; ground transport connections to the region are available from the nearby airports in Rome, Naples or Pescara. Molise can be reached by train or car. According to the regional tourism portal, the region’s roads are particularly suitable for travellers on two wheels. When choosing your hotel or accommodation, it is therefore worth first deciding on the main focus of your stay: culture, mountains, coast, cuisine or sporting activities. This allows you to choose the location of your accommodation according to your personal travel plans.

For further orientation within the region, you can also explore Isernia and Campobasso.

Other regions of Italy

Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Marche, Lazio

More about the destination

Useful information for planning your trip:

Molise holidays – Molise travel guide.