Isernia: Archaeology, Museums and History

Isernia La Pineta is an approximately 700,000-year-old archaeological site from the Palaeolithic period.

Archaeology and Early History

Isernia La Pineta yielded the fossil of a child dated to 583,000 years ago and believed to have belonged to the Homo heidelbergensis species. The excavations reveal several phases of settlement; at the same time, the site is rich in worked stone tools. The Santa Maria delle Monache complex houses an exhibition of finds from Isernia La Pineta as well as an archaeological museum.

Buildings and Remembrance

The Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo in Isernia stands on the remains of an ancient Italic sanctuary dating from the 3rd century BC. The early medieval Santa Maria delle Monache complex was built around the year 1000. The adjoining Church of the Assumption, with its imposing bell tower, dates from the 7th century.

The old bell tower, commonly called the Arco di San Pietro, has a large pointed-arch passageway through which the Corso runs. The Fontana Fraterna is a public fountain and is considered a landmark of Isernia. It has six gargoyles and an unusual loggia-like form.

Traditions and Crafts

The Museo civico della Storia e della Memoria is divided into three sections. On display are lace-making tools, yarns, drawings and finished works, including household linens, lingerie and jewellery. The distinctive Fiera delle Cipolle in Isernia is associated with the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and traditionally centres on onions and garlic. It has been held annually in Isernia since at least the 15th century.

Surroundings and Landscape

In the immediate vicinity of Isernia are the Museo Nazionale del Paleolitico, a museum, Arte 90 Di Maglione Elena, also a museum, the Saint Francesco Palace, a palace, and the Museo di Santa Maria delle Monache, a museum. The immediate area also includes Colle Conocchiola, a mountain, and La Romana, a mountain. The area around Isernia also includes Colle Pietrereie, a mountain, and Monte Cilara, a mountain.

Location and Routes

Isernia lies in a valley between the Monti delle Mainarde to the northwest and the Matese Mountains to the southeast. Isernia and the Province of Isernia are considered destinations for visitors who are particularly interested in trekking and nature. Along the route of the Ferrovia dei Parchi, there are stops for guided visits as well as excursions on foot or by bicycle.

Isernia railway station offers assistance for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

When comparing accommodation offers in Isernia, check the exact location, accommodation type, occupancy, included services, price components, and booking and cancellation conditions on the respective offer pages.

You can reach further destinations via the following links: Capracotta, Agnone, Pescopennataro, Incoronata and Campobasso.

To the higher-level travel overview: Molise.