Montenero di Bisaccia: Coast, Nature and History

Montenero di Bisaccia between Coast, Nature and History

Montenero di Bisaccia is located on the Molise coast. Coast, river mouth, natural areas, historic buildings, and local culinary traditions shape the municipality’s different facets.

Coast and Nature Observation

The “Calanchi di Montenero” protected area lies entirely within the municipality of Montenero di Bisaccia in the province of Campobasso. The SIC area IT7222213 covers 121 hectares.

At the mouth of the Trigno River, the area provides a habitat for a great variety of flora and fauna. Throughout the year, visitors can observe migratory birds such as mallards and grey herons, among others. For those interested in nature, the river area is therefore associated with birdlife that changes with the seasons.

The Marina di Montenero di Bisaccia is also known as “Costa Verde”. It includes five kilometres of clean water and beaches along the Molise coast. In addition, the Marina Sveva marina in Montenero di Bisaccia has more than 400 berths. Costa Verde and Marina Sveva thus refer to the town’s beach and harbour areas.

Buildings and Religious History

The Torre di Vialante is located in Contrada Montebello, on the first hill near the Trigno River and the sea. It is a presumed ancient observation structure built by Vialante di Riccio between 1560 and 1570.

The Chiesa di San Matteo Apostolo contains an 18th-century sacrament altar. The tower and the altar thus represent different historical connections within Montenero di Bisaccia.

Several earthquakes destroyed an earlier chapel. The Santuario della Madonna di Bisaccia was built on its ruins and inaugurated in 1899. The sanctuary houses a well-known painting which, according to tradition, was painted by a shepherd and found in the Madonna’s grotto a few hundred metres away.

Regional Cuisine and Wine

Ventricina, a local sausage speciality from Montenero di Bisaccia, is celebrated with a summer festival. Local wineries also open their doors to visitors to present the wine production of the Montenero di Bisaccia area.

Winter and Summer Events

The Presepe Vivente of Montenero di Bisaccia takes place every year from 24 December to 6 January at the Neolithic caves on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. The period extends from the end of one year into the beginning of the next.

Another seasonal event is the “Notte nel Borgo Antico”. It is organised by Pro Loco Frentana as part of Montenero’s summer programme; its 20th edition took place in 2025. For travel planning purposes, the two events take place in different seasons and therefore mark two separate periods in the annual cycle.

More Destinations

Guardiaregia, Rotello, Ferrazzano, Colle d'Anchise, Sant'angelo Limosano, Termoli, Campodipietra and Guardialfiera.

To the overarching travel overview: Campobasso.