Molise

It is called MAACK, Museo all'aperto di arte contemporanea Kalenarte (Kalenarte Open-Air Museum of Contemporary Art), and it is well worth a visit, as it combines the beauty of a village, the nature of the forest and the most modern artistic experimentation. Let's discover one of the most beautiful museums in Molise, and an example of a contemporary art museum that embraces culture, sociality and redemption.

Travelling through the bucolic landscapes and picturesque villages of Molise, you may happen to look up and catch a glimpse of people in flight. Don’t be misled! It’s not an alien invasion! These are the colourful hang-gliders and paragliders piloted by the many enthusiasts who attend the schools and flying centres located on the Matese massif, the chain of limestone mountains between the provinces of Isernia and Campobasso, which is a mecca of free flight in Molise. The topographical features of this extraordinary natural flying arena provide airflow from both the north and the south. Using strictly non-powered aircraft, lovers of free flight take advantage of this environment to find excellent opportunities for take-off and a more varied range of experiences, depending on the time of day, routes and weather conditions.

A sort of an uncharted territory in regards to mass tourism, Molise, which lies between the regions of Abruzzo and Apulia, is a region that hosts numerous art treasures, breathtaking natural sceneries, and thousand-year-old traditions. A very characteristic aspect of Molise is its network of tratturi, the ancient grassy paths of transhumance from the pre-Roman Era up to only a few centuries ago, our ancestors traveled these trails, driving their animal herds from season to season. Livestock transhumance, the principal mainstay of the Southern peasant, was (and is still, in some cases) based on a very rigorous journey from the cool mountain pastures of Abruzzo in autumn, to the hot and humid Apulian Plateaus (where they reverse direction in summer).

Here, you can discover enchanted places and embark on breathtaking adventures, choosing between e-bike excursions, horse riding and trekking on more or less complicated routes. We have selected 6 nature activities worth pursuing in Molise: just choose the one that suits you best, and enjoy. Because the sofa can wait!

What to see in Molise and above all, why travel by bus? Let's start with the environmental impact, which on a collective means of transport is much lower than travelling in your own car. Then there is the quality of the journey. Relax in your seats with your holiday companions, without the stress of driving. You can observe the views from the window and then stop off at the places of main interest. On your way you will find historic towns and nature reserves, small villages and seaside resorts, forests and pastures. Remember, your trip around Molise by bus does not rule out a stop at local trattorias where you can experience authentic traditional cuisine.

On the hill above Campobasso, the name of the massive Monforte Castle – the top of the list of places to visit to get a feel for the city – recalls the 15th-century mercenary captain Nicola Monforte, who ruled the city with the title of Count at the time of a disastrous earthquake in the middle of the century. It was under his government that reconstruction began, not unlike others did much later. Three and a half centuries later, another military man turned ruler, the King of Naples Gioacchino Murat, initiated the creation of a new Campobasso under the castle: the quarters of what is now known as the Murattiana City. This is not to put history above tourism, but to explain why visiting the capital of Molise today means getting to know two different realities. Below the castle, one strolls down sloping, narrow, rustic streets or stairways, while in the valley, where public buildings and shops are concentrated, one appreciates the scale of 19th-century blocks and airy green squares. Yet, they also attract signs of much older civilisations to Campobasso. Just below the castle is the Sannitico Museum – another tourist attraction – which, without being boring, neatly exhibits ambers, ceramics, bronzes, ivories and marbles from prehistoric times to the early Middle Ages of the Longobards, passing through the Samnites and Romanisation. Wandering through the museum's halls makes you want to go and see for yourself the other Molise where these wonders come from, starting with Bojano or the frankly extraordinary Sepino.

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, with its almost intact city walls, stands on a hill overlooking the beautiful Molise countryside. Fornelli is a joy to behold, with its maze of narrow streets, small stone houses and a picture-perfect blue sky. A day trip will transport you to a rustic, timeless atmosphere.

At an altitude of 800 metres, it offers panoramic views of the Biferno valley and the Matese and Majella mountains. This pint-sized gem is packed with beautiful characteristic alleyways, stone buildings, medieval towers and many churches to visit.

Mountains and their wild beauty concealing archaeological sites, hills marked by intensely-cultivated wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards, towns enriched with art and history and finally the sea with its slow, cyclical rhythms influencing the lives of the fishermen: This is the region of Molise, a small area dotted with scenic and artistic treasures, and food and wine delicacies which for the most part are still unknown to mass tourism. The Biferno River accompanies us from the mountainous area of Campobasso down to the seaside, to discover this land of the Sabellians and of its multiple flavors.

Listed among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Frosolone is a small paradise surrounded by nature, perched among the central Apennines in the heart of Molise. About 900 metres above sea level, it is enveloped and embraced by vibrant greenery: a pristine, untouched environment home to ancient trees, ponds and lakes, white rocks and shelters. The village is also known for its history of handcrafting scissors and knives.

Far away from the hubs of mass tourism, the coast belonging to the Region of Molise extends for 21.7 miles, from the mouth of the Trigno River to that of the Apulian tributary of Saccione. Its limpid sea, lovely flora and fauna and, above all, its grand artistic and cultural heritage make this zone a destination for a relaxing, spontaneous, DIY summer trip, as well as a great launch point for excursions into inland Molise. Termoli is well-known here, but not to be left out are the tiny centers of Marina di Montenero, Petacciato and the lido of Campomarino, all offering a marvelous natural frame for a vacation by the sea.