Agnone
is well known for the foundry located here and the museum
that goes with it — a museum for bells (Museo
della Campana)! Yes, BELLS! The Fonderia di Campane
Marinelli is located here and for centuries bells
have been "forged" in this factory. This hill
town looks out over the Verrino Valley and is charming
— there are several churches worth a look. The portal
of La Chiesa di Sant’Emidio has a gorgeous
portal. There’s a museum in the annex. The Renaissance
portal on La Chiesa di San Marco is lovely. Check
out these other fine churches: La Chiesa di Sant’Antonio
Abate, La Chiesa di San Francesco, La Chiesa di Santa
Chiara e di Santa Maria Constantinopoli, La Chiesa di
San Pietro a Maiella and La Chiesa di San Nicola.
This friendly town is known for its delicious food and
for its artisan workshops…..a stroll will reveal
many 17th century palazzi…..do check out
Casa Nuonno and Casa Apollonio.
Capracotta
is called the Cortina of the South……it’s
a ski village — an ancient village located between
the Sangrio and Verrino Valleys. The center of town is
pretty and while you’ll be skiing and pursuing other
sports, you should visit the Chiesa di Santa Maria
Assunta, the Prato Gentile and the Giardino
della Flora (yes, there’s flora and fauna in
the Appenines)…….by the way, this is one of
the highest villages in all of Italy.
Pietrabbondante
is located on a ridge high in the mountains of central
Italy — it’s a fabulous setting. The town is
in the Trigno Valley at 3000 feet above sea level. It’s
a lovely village and rather undiscovered. In town you
walk the streets and see a village basically untouched
by time. Stop in at the 17th century Chiesa
di Santa Maria Assunta. Just outside the town proper
are the ancient ruins and monuments of the
Samnites. Here you will find a pristine and beautiful
setting for this ancient village of walls, temples,
a fantastically preserved theatre (check out the seats),
commercial buildings and dwellings. The word that comes
to my mind when describing this ancient village is fresh
and unspoiled…..above this settlement are defensive
walls. It’s a cool place for a visit.