Molise is a region that has a lot to offer: all to be discovered for those who love a slow and conscious way of traveling, discovering history and traditions.
Il Molise it is undoubtedly one of the least explored regions of Italy, yet in its small way it hides some truly splendid treasures. The following is a short account of a journey you could take, backpacker, retracing the ancient roads on which the flocks move, a journey through the sheep tracks, the ancient roads of transhumance.
In the height of mass communications it may seem timeless to speak of ways of grass, but it is not at all. The grass routes can in fact make an excellent contribution to slowing down the stress and daily frenzy of our days, making us rediscover the world around us.
Molise: the grass roads and the sheep tracks
There are several grass paths that cross the small Molise Region offering unique itineraries, such as the one that unites the Gargano National Park to that of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. The most important tratturi are: the Tratturo Celano - Foggia which passes through the Majella National Park and the archaeological areas of Vastogirardi and Pietrabbondante; the Trattoria Castel di Sangro - Lucera, which crosses the 'heart' of the Molise Region; and the Tratturo Pescasseroli - Candle covering a distance of about 200 km.
As you can imagine, these are long journeys that require a slow and conscious way of traveling. A journey through nature and intact places, to rediscover history and traditions. In fact, along the tratturi, you can experience and relive the typicality and beauty of the Molise villages located along the route, as well as the history of these places, once the home of the Samnite people.
Trattoria Castel di Sangro in Lucera
If you want to cross Molise in its heart, the tratturo that I recommend is the one from Castel di Sangro to Lucera, 79Km of well-preserved path.
It starts from Abruzzo and arrives in Puglia crossing the Molise Region with the municipalities of: Rionero Sannitico, Forli del Sannio, Isernia, Roccasicura, Carovilli, Pescolanciano, Chiauci, Civitanova del Sannio, Duronia, Torella del Sannio, Castropignano, Oratino, Campobasso, Ripalimosani, Campodipietra, Toro, Pietracatella and Gambatesa.
On the way you will cross the Volturno Valley and the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise with suggestive landscapes and green nature. In addition, the villages that you will find along the way, during the summer come alive with festivals and popular festivals; therefore in one of your stops you could enjoy a bit of folklore.
Visit to Isernia
Continuing along the way you can stop and do visit to Isernia and its historic center, as well as the remains of the Paleolithic that you will find in the town museum.
Continuing a little further, you will find the village of castelpetroso, with its splendid mountain landscape, where you can take advantage of a visit to Sanctuary of the Virgin SS. Sorrowful (really gorgeous). If you need to cool off from the long walk, you could take a dip in the natural water springs once you arrive at Civitanova del Sannio.
Campobasso, the capital
Pass the towns of Cantalupo nel Sannio, dominated by the imposing Matese massif, and after Bojano and Guardiaregia, you will arrive in the capital, Campobasso, a city that deserves a stop to visit the historic center and Monforte Castle overlooking the city from above. And if you have time and can book a tour, explore the Campobasso underground and admire the splendid murals in the San Giovanni area. Continuing the journey, you will arrive in the archaeological area of Sepino, famous for its Roman remains.
Continue in this way in the last stretch of the Molise region passing through the municipalities of Toro and Pietracalella, reaching as far as Puglia and arriving in Lucera.
The paths are all accessible independently, it's up to you to choose which one to go.
