Molise: Hotels and Accommodations

Molise’s mountain landscapes include lakes, mountains, and nature reserves. Inland, panoramic views alternate with spectacular landscapes, showcasing the region’s vast and diverse natural environment.

Landscape and Regional Trails

The tratturi of Molise are ancient grassy paths associated with the seasonal transhumance of sheep herds. They essentially cover the entire territory of Molise and offer unique routes through the region.

Getting There

Molise has no airports of its own. From the nearby airports in Rome, Naples, or Pescara, there are ground connections to the region. Molise can be reached by train or car; according to the regional tourism portal, the region’s roads are particularly suitable for travelers on two wheels.

Archaeology and History

Sepino was an ancient Samnite center on transhumance routes that later took on monumental Roman forms. The Museum of the City and Territory of Sepino is housed in 18th-century rural buildings constructed over the curved structures of a Roman theater and displays material dating from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

The Museo archeologico nazionale di Campobasso has been housed since 1995 in the 18th-century Palazzo Mazzarotta in the historic center of Campobasso. Its permanent exhibition is organized chronologically and thematically and includes material from the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. The first floor covers the Samnites, their sanctuaries, trade, and tombs, and includes a significant collection of votive statuettes of Hercules.

Historical traces of Samnite and Roman settlement can still be found in many villages in Molise. The sanctuary lies on the southern slope of Monte Caraceno/Saraceno at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters and offers expansive views over the Trigno Valley. The theater of the Italic sanctuary preserves the first three rows of stone seats with carved armrests shaped like winged lion paws.

Museums and Experiences

The Molise Tour organized by the park administration combines a short walk with views of Lake Castel San Vincenzo, as well as visits to the Zampogna Museum and the Abbey of Castel San Vincenzo.

The MAACK in Casacalenda is an open-air museum that combines the village surroundings, forest, and contemporary art. It includes 21 works by Italian and international artists, as well as permanent or temporary installations. You can explore the MAACK along the red, blue, or green circular trails or be accompanied by a local guide.

Campitello Matese is also visited by cyclists and climbers.

Coast and Culinary Delights

Along the coast of Molise, there are equipped beaches where visitors can enjoy water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, diving, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Guided truffle-hunting walks are offered in Molise. Cheese tastings also take place directly in an aging cellar.

Festivals and Traditions

The Sagra dei Misteri is a Corpus Christi procession featuring 13 so-called Mysteries, created by the artist Paolo Saverio di Zinno in 1748. The celebrations include a procession with more than 100 ox-drawn carts decorated with paper flowers.

For more in-depth information about the region, visit the pages on Campobasso and Isernia.

For the higher-level travel overview: Italy.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Piedmont, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Basilicata, Sardinia, Tuscany, Trentino-South Tyrol.