The green province of Campobasso

The valleys of the Trigno, Biferno and Fortore rivers crisscross the landscapes of the province of Campobasso. The valleys, lined with green mountain slopes and ranges of hills, widen towards the coast and end in wide, bright sandy beaches.

In the varied landscapes, historic towns and villages with their fortresses are perched on hilltops, as is the regional capital Campobasso. With a population of around 80,000, the old town and newer parts of the city stretch out below the fort on the fortress hill. The neighbouring town of Ferranzzano is best known for its most famous son: Hollywood actor Robert de Niro. In summer, the annual cinema festival is held here.

The province is rich in archaeology and is home to the prehistoric village of Campomarino and several necropolises such as the necropolis of Termoli with the remains of 141 tombs, the tombs of Guglionesi, the Samnite burial ground of Gildonea and the Longobard necropolises of Campochiaro. In Sepino, another tourist highlight of Molise, you come across the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Saepinum with its forum, basilica, Bojano Gate, thermal baths, theatre, curtain wall and magnificent entrance gates.

Another characteristic feature of Campobasso is the “tratturi,” which are grassy pasture paths along which the shepherds drove their flocks from the summer pastures into the valleys of Apulia thousands of years ago.