Isernia
is located between the Sordo and Carpino Rivers. It’s
not an amazingly gorgeous town, but has some lovely areas….if
you look for them. I find it comfortable and a great base.
The town has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times
(takeovers, wars, earthquakes). Most people come to Isernia
for the Paleolithic settlement uncovered in 1978!
While building a road/highway this 800 thousand year old
town was uncovered. It’s the best and oldest in Europe!
I don’t miss a chance on something like this. You
walk above the site on raised planks/walkways and can
view part of the settlement (artifacts etc.). You can
also see items retrieved from the site in the museum (Museo
di Santa Maria delle Monache) in town (located in
the 8th century Convento di Santa Maria
Assunta). In town you’ll also see the 13th
century Fontana della Fraterna. The Chiesa di
San Francesco is a 13th century church
with its original portal. Other churches to make a stop
in are the Cattedrale di San Pietro, the Santuario
dei Santi Coma e Damiano and the Chiese di Santa
Chiara.
Pescolanciano
is a small town with the imposing 11th century
Castello dei Duchi D’Alessandro di Pescolanciano
built on a cliff. The castle dominates the Trigno
River Valley and has a drawbridge. The small Baroque chapel
of the castle holds the tomb of Sant’Alessandro
(once the duke of the town). The historic and ancient
center of town is walled and gated. Stop in at the Chiesa
di Sant’Antonio and at the Torre di Vedetta
(Monte S.M. del Vignale). Also of interest is the pathway
used by shepherds to move their flocks to the south for
winter — you’ll note that it’s just a dirt
road and dates back to the 2nd century BC…..if
you don’t see it (and that’s a possibility),
ask the locals.