Eastern Molise

<< Molise

The eastern half of Molise is occupied by the Province of Campobasso. This area features many small towns among the hills and mountains, including Campobasso. Part of the province is also the coastal area on the Adriatic Sea, which features the seaside resort of Termoli.

Campobasso

Campobasso is the capital and largest city in Molise, located among the mountains in the center of the region. Founded by the Lombards in the Early Middle Ages, it has been the economic and administrative center of the region for centuries, as part of the Kingdom of Sicily and then the Kingdom of Naples. The city offers a few historic attractions in its old town.

Monforte Castle

The Monforte Castle is a historic castle located on a hill overlooking Campobasso, and the main landmark in the town. The fort was erected in the Late Middle Ages, with most of the structure dating from the 15th century. Damaged by an earthquake in 1805, the castle was then restored and features some imposing fortifications. Next to the castle is the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built around the 14th century and hosting some frescoes and other artworks. Nearby is also the medieval Church of San Giorgio.

Samnite Museum

The Samnite Museum (Museo Sannitico) is an archaeological museum in the old town of Campobasso. Its collection includes several archaeological finds from Molise, spanning a period between prehistory and the Early Middle Ages, with most of the objects dating from the Roman age.

Misteri Museum

The Misteri Museum (Museo dei Misteri) is an ethnographic museum in Campobasso, dedicated to the local tradition of the Sfilata dei Misteri. This is an annual parade of allegorical floats displaying religious scenes, which takes places during the Feast of Corpus Christi. The museum showcases the history of this parade, which has been held since the 18th century, and houses various memorabilia.

Sepino

Sepino is a small town in the Province of Campobasso, best known for hosting the ruins of a Roman city in its territory.

Archaeological Area of Saepinum

Saepinum was an ancient town originally inhabited by the Samnites, and later taken by the Romans. The site was abandoned around the time of the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The archaeological area of the ancient Saepinum includes the ruins of a Roman basilica, a theater, some walls, and several other structures. The site includes an archaeological museum with various finds unearthed here.

Civitacampomarano

Civitacampomarano is a tiny village in Molise, located among the hills north of Campobasso. A town of medieval origins, it is known for its historic castle.

Civitacampomarano Castle

The Civitacampomarano Castle is a large fortress erected in the small town during the Late Middle Ages. The imposing structure dates mostly from the 12th and 13th century, and features large circular towers and an internal courtyard. The halls inside the castle can be visited.

Larino

Larino is a small town in Molise, located among the hills between Campobasso and Termoli. Inhabited since ancient times, it features a medieval old town and some Roman ruins.

Larino Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of San Pardo (Cattedrale di San Pardo)

The Larino Cathedral (Duomo di Larino) is the main church in the town, founded in the 13th century. The church features a Gothic facade with an elaborate portal and rose window. Inside, it hosts some artworks and frescoes, and a few Gothic Revival decorations added in the 19th century.

Roman Amphitheater of Larino

The Roman Amphitheater (Anfiteatro Romano) of Larino is the main landmark among the ancient ruins of the town. Erected during the 1st century, it could host up to 12,000 spectators. Near the amphitheater are the ruins of a Roman thermal complex.

Termoli

Termoli is the only port and main seaside resort of Molise, part of the Province of Campobasso. Inhabited since ancient times, it features a medieval old town. Its coast hosts some traditional fishing platforms called trabocchi.

Swabian Castle

The Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) is a castle erected next to the Adriatic coast in Termoli during the Late Middle Ages. The small but imposing structure was once part of a larger system of fortifications. The ancient walls that still partly surround the old town were part of this system.

Termoli Cathedral

Also known as: Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione (Cattedrale di Santa Maria della Purificazione)

The Termoli Cathedral (Duomo di Termoli) is the main church in the city, located at the center of the old town. Erected in Romanesque style during the Late Middle Ages, it features an elaborate portal and various other decorations on its facade. The interior is simple, while an ancient crypt is underneath the building.