Welcome to Italy, to the ‘Forgotten Region’, this preserved coastal pearl where enchanting beaches, refined culinary art and authentic villages combine. Let’s embark on a captivating discovery of this Italian region off the beaten track.
Molise: This Little-Known Coastal Jewel of Italy
Jeanne Dubois here, ready to embark you on a new adventure through a little-known but oh-so-enchanting region of Italy: the Molise. Imagine wandering between unspoiled beaches, culinary delights and picturesque villages, all without the usual crowds of tourists. A dream, isn’t it?
A Destination Off the Beaten Path
Just a three and a half hour drive from Rome and two and a half hours from Naples, Molise is nestled between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. This region is often missing from tourist guides, but that is precisely what gives it its unique charm. Here you will find virtually untouched natural and historical beauties.
Very close to the small village of Sepino, you can discover a Roman archaeological site with a remarkably well preserved amphitheater and basilica. And the icing on the cake? Entrance is free and there are no restrictive opening hours.
Molise: A Very Real Region
Despite the expression “Molise non esiste”, which means “Molise does not exist”, this region has a lot to offer. Formerly part of Abruzzo, Molise gained its autonomy in the 1960s. It is this relative youth which partly explains why it remains under the radar of many travelers.
Local artisans challenging this belief. HAS Frosolone, for example, the artisanal manufacture of knives and scissors is a local pride. You can also visit the Pontifical Marinelli Foundry at Agnone, where bronze bells have been made for 26 generations for the Vatican, using techniques dating back 1,000 years.
Architectural and Natural Splendors
Molise has no shortage of architectural wonders. You will find medieval castles, churches and cathedrals in several villages. Don’t miss it MAACK (Casacalenda Open Air Contemporary Art Museum) and its equally fascinating neighboring village.
For nature lovers, Molise offers majestic landscapes of mountain ranges and valleys crossed by hiking trails called tratturi. Walk these paths and let yourself be transported back in time.
Beaches and Culinary Delights
If you visit Molise during the summer months, you can also enjoy its magnificent beaches. The coast around Termoli is dotted with beaches with varied characteristics such as Lido Campomarino, known for its calm waters and soft sand, or even Santa Monica Beach, for a different experience.
And what would a trip to Italy be without a culinary exploration? Gourmets will delight in discovering local specialties such as Sopressata, the sausage Signora di Conca Casale, cheese caciocavallo Agnone, and of course, pastas like cavatelli And rifle, often accompanied by fresh seafood.
