The charming city of Campobasso gives visitors an opportunity to explore Italian culture away from the big city. Located in the Southern Italian region of Molise, this capital city has a variety of historic sites to see and authentic experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. It is an ideal location to relax and take in the slower, local ambiance.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

The people of the Southern Italian city of Campobasso celebrate their traditions and culture throughout the year. There are events to be experienced if visiting the area during any one of the festive times.

The main event of the city is La Festa dei Misteri – the Celebration of the Mysteries. Said to be the tie that binds the past, present,

and future together. It is held on the Sunday of Corpus Domini, a Christian day of celebration created by Pope Urban IV in 1264.

Visitors can watch as the celebration centers on a procession of floats through the streets of Campobasso. There are 13 mechanical creations constructed of metal and decorated with colorful fabrics. They are proudly supported on the shoulders of at least 12 people, each honoring a saint and depicting scenes from the Bible. It begins with the Mystery of St. Isidore and continues to include San Crispino, the Virgin Mary, and St. Nicholas of Bari – among others. The 13th honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To experience this event is to truly be immersed in the culture of the local people.

While not within the city of Campobasso, the town of Larino in the province of Campobasso holds the Festival of San Pardo in May. It centers around a parade of over 100 carts decorated with hand-crafted flowers. Each cart is tied to a specific family and is pulled by a pair of white oxen from the cathedral in the town’s center to the old church and cemetery.

Other events near the city of Campobasso include the Wheat Festival in Jelsi – an event of gratitude held in July for Saint Anna and their wheat harvest, and the celebration of Saint Basso in the city of Termoli – an event honoring the security and good luck that Saint Basso provides during fishing excursions. Both events can be attended in the city’s namesake province.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Sightseeing in and around Campobasso would not be complete without some outdoor excursions. Within the city, visitors can head to Villa de Capoa with nearly 4 acres of greenery and villa grounds to explore. While there is much to see inside the majestic villa, the surrounding gardens are a sight to be seen. Once the area that monks used to grow their medicinal herbs, the park is now home to an abundance of fragrant and even exotic trees. Visitors can walk along the hedge-lined paths and admire the oversized sequoias and colorful fruit trees among many other plant species.

The city is situated near the scenic Matese Mountains, with the Adriatic coastline not much further. Those interested in what the mountain terrain has to offer can hike through the forest and take in any wildlife – including numerous birds of prey – along the way. The area is especially popular among those wanting to experience mountaineering and caving. For a coastal excursion, visitors can venture to the many beaches that meet the Adriatic Sea.

Visitors of Campobasso can discover the province’s nature reserves – the WWF Oasis of Guardiaregia-Campochiaro and the LIPU Oasis in Casacalenda. Nature enthusiasts can walk their trails and spot a wide range of flowers, trees, and other vegetation grown in the region.

If spending more time outdoors is desired, travelers can discover the numerous archeological sites found in close proximity to the city, such as the Villaggio di Campomarino, an ancient settlement, and Tufara, a location connected to a significant discovery of coins. The Gildonea Samnite burial grounds and those in Termoli are must-see stops for those interested in the preservation of prehistoric graves, tombs, and other monuments.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES

The most popular sightseeing stop in the city of Campobasso is Castello Monforte – a castle located atop the Sant’Antonio Mountains. The structure was originally built during the thirteenth century on top of Norman and Lombard ruins and much of it was rebuilt following an earthquake in 1456. From the outside, visitors can take in the Guelph merlons that sit at the top of the surrounding castle walls. Once inside, there are beautiful frescoes and a terrace that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Next to the castle, travelers can explore the eleventh century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore – home to Incoronata, a wooden statue from the early 1300s.

Throughout the city there are multiple Romanesque churches to see including those named in honor of Sant’Antonio Abate, San Leonardo, San Giorgio, San Bartolomeo, and Santa Maria della Croce.

A visit to Campobasso would not be complete without exploring their beauty and distinct differences. Each has its own history and unique architectural elements. For instance, visitors can see the late-Renaissance portal while at the Church of Sant’ Antonio Abate and the city’s oldest church – the Church of San Giorgio with its fifteenth century frescoes. Due to the devastating earthquakes the city has experienced throughout history, the churches have all had portions of their architecture rebuilt at one time or another.

SHOPPING

Visitors of Campobasso can stroll the less crowded cobblestone roads of the city to get their dose of shopping. There are small shops and cafés sprinkled throughout the city in the various neighborhoods and piazze. A favorite spot among locals is the old town area as it has indoor and outdoor cafés and small artisan boutiques selling drilled iron, jewelry, and other handmade crafts.

FAMILY & KIDS

When traveling to Campobasso as a family, adults and kids will enjoy exploring the museums the city has to offer. The Museo Provinciale Sannitico, or Archaeology Museum, is located in Palazzo Mazzarotta. Visitors can admire the ceramics, sculptures, weapons, and armor that belonged to the Samnites who once ruled the area before the Romans. Another interesting museum is the Mysteries Museum – home to the costumes and machines of the city’s famous festival. Items from celebrations – past and present – are on exhibit as are videos of previous processions throughout history.

Families can catch a game of soccer with the locals at Stadio Nuovo Romagnoli. The local team, SSD Città di Campobasso, is a team in the Serie D tier of Italian Association Soccer. Join the local fans and cheer on the home team, nicknamed lupi, or “wolves,” in their red and blue uniforms. Top off the outing with a cold ice cream treat from one of the local cafés located around the city’s main square.

For an adventure outside of Campobasso, families can visit the 20 miles of Molise’s Riviera – Costa dei Trabocchi on Italy’s eastern coast. Adults and kids can soak up the sun on the beach while enjoying a variety of seaside water sports or simply sunbathing along the Adriatic Sea. For something extra, visitors can explore the main resort of the area – Termoli. On land, visitors can take in the pastel houses and unique old town or opt to sail off the coast to discover the many coves, grottoes, and other archaeological remains around the Tremiti Islands.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

To fully experience the city of Campobasso, visitors can learn more about the well-known local craft of blades, knives, and scissors. The latter is created using a perforation technique that leaves an ornate design on the steel. Those interested in this cultural tradition and form of artistry can head approximately 12 miles to the west to visit the Frosolone museum in nearby Isernia.

For a day trip away from Campobasso, a visit to the medieval town of Sepino would be worthwhile. Located just 12 miles south of Molise’s capital city in the foothills of the Matese Mountains, it has been called one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. The city was once the Roman town known as Saepinum and ancient ruins can still be found today including its temple, basilica, and theater.

While roaming the narrow roads, tourists can see the modest stones house and fancy palaces as well as unique fountains spread about town.