Bojano: Culture, Matese Landscape and Trails

Bojano combines the history of Civita and San Bartolomeo with the sources of the Biferno, the heights of the Matese Massif and several trails through the surrounding area. This provides different focal points for planning your trip: churches and museums, trails and springs, as well as regional products.

Churches, Museums and the History of Civita

The Cathedral of San Bartolomeo features Roman inscriptions, 9th-century plutei and sculpted panels from the 13th century. A pointed-arch portal and a 13th-century rose window complete the furnishings; at the same time, the cathedral has a well-preserved crypt apse dating from 1073. Admission is free. The De Molisio family ruled the county from the castle of Civita.

In the Museo Civico in Palazzo Colagrossi, the museum displays vessels, jewellery, coins and weapons from the 5th to 4th centuries BC, found in the Bojano area. The paleontological section of the Museo Civico also displays fossils documenting life in the ancient Tethys Sea, which once covered what is now the Matese area.

Civita Superiore is a well-preserved old village on a hill above Bojano; the remains of a medieval castle are visible at the summit. Atmospheric alleyways run between the buildings. Another historical depiction is provided by the Ver Sacrum in Bojano: this scenic, itinerant performance in historical costumes recreates a Samnite rite involving young people and sacred oxen for the founding of new communities.

Matese Massif and Distinctive Landscapes

The Eremo di Sant'Egidio is located on the Matese Massif at an elevation of 1,025 metres. The complex includes a church attached to accommodation described as a shelter. The origins of the hermitage are believed to date back to the 9th century and to be attributable to the Cistercians or the Templars. The Bojano area is also home to a chestnut tree considered to be the oldest in Italy.

Hiking, Cycling and Water

The Ciclovia dell'Acquedotto Molisano Centrale begins at the Rio-Freddo springs near Bojano. A marked hiking trail leads uphill from Bojano to Civita. The ascent from Bojano to the Civita acropolis leads to the ruins of the Norman castle, another viewpoint. The SI-CAI stage, formerly Sentiero 112 BT, runs from Campitello Matese to Bojano.

The sources of the Biferno at Pietre Cadute are among the key points of this section of the trail from Bojano. A Canadian canoe trip on the Biferno starts at the springs of Pietre Cadute in Bojano. Depending on the departure speed and river section, it takes between 1 hour 20 minutes and more than 2 hours, excluding breaks; equipment and UISP guides are provided. In the Alifana area, there are small artificial lakes for sport fishing.

Local Flavours

Bojano is home to dairies specialising in the production of Fiordilatte mozzarella. This adds a specific local speciality to the town's historical, mountain-related and water-oriented facets.

Further Destinations for Your Trip Planning

Further destinations for your trip planning include Campobasso, Lido Campomarino, Campomarino, San Massimo, Rotello, Matrice, Oratino and Cercemaggiore.

For the higher-level travel overview: Campobasso.