Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MOLISE
One of Italy's forgotten regions, Molise is one of the few parts of the country where you
can still get off the beaten track. And while it lacks the grandeur of its northern neighbour,
the lack of a slick tourist infrastructure and the raw, unspoiled countryside ensure a gritty
authenticity that's often missing in more celebrated areas.
To get the best out of Molise, you really need your own transport.
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Campobasso
POP 51,000
Molise's regional capital and main transport hub is a sprawling, uninspiring city with little
to recommend it. However, if you do find yourself passing through, the pocket-sized
centro
storico
is worth a quick look.
Although rarely open, the Romanesque churches of
San Bartolomeo
(Salita San Bartolomeo)
and
San Giorgio
(Viale della Rimembranza)
are fine examples of their genre. Further up the hill,
at the top of a steep tree-lined avenue, sits
Castello Monforte
(
0874 6 32 99;
9am-1pm &
. Ceramics found in the castle are now on show at the small
3.30-6.30pm Tue-Sun)
,
Museo Samnitico
(Samnite Museum;
0874 41 22 65; Via Chiarizia 12;
9am-5.30pm)
along with artefacts from local archaeological sites.
For a spot of lunch,
Trattoria La Grotta di Zi Concetta
( 0874 31 13 78; Via Larino 9; meals
€25; lunch & dinner Mon-Fri)
is an old-school trattoria serving delicious homemade pasta
and superb meat dishes.
The
tourist office
( 0874 41 56 62; Piazza della Vittoria 14; 8.30am-1.30pm Mon-Fri, 3-5.30pm
Mon & Wed)
can provide further information on the city and surrounding province.
Unless you're coming from Isernia, Campobasso is best reached by bus. Services link
with Termoli (€3.50, 1¼ hours, 10 daily), Naples (€9.80, 2¾ hours, four daily on week-
days), and Rome (€12.10, three hours, five daily). Up to 14 daily trains run to/from Isernia
(€3, one hour).
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