Molise
is often bundled with Abruzzo as they have been connected traditionally
and historically forever (gaining independence from Abruzzo in
1963). Molise is located in the central southeast area and is
surrounded by the Abruzzo, Campania and Puglia regions
and the Adriatic Sea. The main towns are Isernia
and Campobasso. The history of the region has everything to do
with the Samnites (pre-Romans, descendants of the Sabines, who
lived in the Appenines). The coast is flat and the rest of this
region is mountainous and hilly. The forests here are wild with
trees, lakes and waterfalls. For those interested in nature, this
is an area you can truly discover by taking/hiking the ancient
pathways. The area is big for skiers too. You’ll rarely hear
a person say they’re going to Molise, as it’s just not
a tourist mecca — it’s a poor land just finding itself.
I find it rustically beautiful and do appreciate the fact that
it has some very undiscovered towns. There’s a Paleolithic
settlement in Isernia (discovered in 1978) that is believed to
be the oldest in Europe — this has become a draw for tourists.
You’ll find more if you just scratch the surface of this
region. The food of the region is simple and agrarian with potatoes,
grains and game as staples — try the maccheroni alla chitarra
and polenta as you’ll see it on many menus. Do try the Caciocavallo
Silano cheese and wines like Biferno, Osco and Pentro d’Isernia….all
are very good.
