Translated and adapted with permission from an article on Guideslow
Warm weather approaches, the melted snows give way to soft expanses of green and blooming meadows, while animals reclaim the spaces they vacated in autumn. In spring and summer, the mountains transform, preserving their timeless charm and offering new discoveries to their guests. It’s a highly sought-after destination because, among many activities, it offers opportunities to connect with nature, hike along enchanting trails, enjoy delicious picnics, and relax outdoors while enjoying the cool climate.
It’s no coincidence, then, that there’s a growing number of tourists choosing to spend their free time in the mountains, even in the summer months. In this article, we propose a short journey to discover the five Molise municipalities above 1,000 meters above sea level, all located in the Alto Molise region and just a few kilometers from each other. For each, we’d like to highlight a few interesting features that can give your holiday a unique and original twist.
Pescopennataro
The journey towards the Molise “peaks” starts from Pescopennataro, known for being the municipality of stonecutters and fir trees.
The village, at 1,190 meters, is spectacularly protected by an enormous natural bastion, a gigantic limestone wall that every year attracts a large number of climbing enthusiasts who want to experience climbing on one of the many equipped routes.
This rock face is where the medieval town was built, and its ruins can be reached with a short walk that offers an extraordinary panorama of spruce and fir forests. The portals, the façades of stately homes, the streets and alleys, as in other small towns in Molise, testify to the stonemasons’ skill in carving stone with great artistry and mastery. Some of their extensive production can be admired in the Museo civico della Pietra, along with a collection of approximately 1,500 prehistoric artifacts. The area’s restaurants and farmhouses complement the tourist offerings, inviting guests to Pescopennataro to savor the exquisite dishes of the local tradition.
Vastogirardi
Let’s take a leap back in time to the Middle Ages, in the beautiful square of an ancient village dominated by an Angevin castle: Vastogirardi, a small and elegant village, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters, where time slows down and distances the frenzy of ordinary daily life.
The village is a maze of stairways and alleyways dominated by magnificent historic buildings and ancient houses; its beauty is enhanced by the surrounding nature. Suffice it to say that the municipality is part of the Montedimezzo Nature Reserve, one of four Italian protected areas recognized by UNESCO, where wooded trails offer exciting walks for all nature lovers and hikers. Among the many treasures preserved in the protected area, we note the remains of an Italic temple from the late 2nd century BC, with the nearby “Angels’ Spring,” likely used in ancient times for healing rites.
Pietrabbondante
Nestled among the morge of Alto Molise is Pietrabbondante, at 1,027 meters, whose name recalls the abundance of rock present in the area.
The houses of the town huddle in the shade of enormous boulders, almost as if seeking their protection, creating a unique landscape where human intervention blends with that of nature, enchanting all who come here. It’s a true pleasure to stroll through the streets of this little village until you reach the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
On nearby Monte Saraceno, the ruins of an ancient medieval fortress are still visible, while the Morge are a favorite destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. The municipality is best known for one of the most important archaeological sites in the world: the famous Italic Sanctuary, which also includes the temple and theater built by the proud Samnite people between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC.
Capracotta
The title of “highest municipality in Molise” goes to Capracotta, located at 1,421 meters. It is one of Molise’s tourist destinations par excellence, renowned for the presence of an important cross-country skiing center, Prato Gentile, from which three trails branch off, approximately 15 kilometers in total, of varying levels of difficulty.
The clean air, the crystal-clear waters and the bright colors of the meadows attract tourists and visitors even in the summer; they can discover the enchanting beauty of the Giardino della Flora Appenninica, with the highest botanical garden in Italy, where all the plant species typical of the Apennines are preserved.
Inside the garden, a Path of the Senses has been created, accessible to those with visual and motor impairments, with the installation of visual-type panels providing all the information and curiosities related to the natural site. The local cuisine encompasses the best of the culinary tradition over time. The most famous specialty is undoubtedly the delicious Pezzata Capracottese (a dish made with mutton), followed by flavorful pecorino and cow’s milk cheeses.
Rionero Sannitico
At 1,069 meters above sea level lies Rionero Sannitico, a town with a strong tourist vocation, frequented above all by those seeking a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
Rionero is the ideal destination for those who love nature walks as well as for pilgrims walking the famous Via Francigena. The town is located along the Southern Via Francigena, the road that connected Rome to Jerusalem. It’s no coincidence that on August 8th, Rionero celebrates European Pilgrim Day by organizing a parade of Knights Templar in historical costume who accompany walkers along beautiful nature trails. For the occasion, each participant is given a walking stick and a bag containing some traditional products; so, in addition to admiring the beauty, they can also taste local delicacies.
The five locations featured on these pages are small mountain paradises we highly recommend exploring, perhaps a little at a time, taking advantage of the various accommodations available, offering relaxation and fun amidst sports, nature, art, and fine dining. The mountains of Upper Molise offer a delightful opportunity to spend a summer holiday that’s diverse and packed with experiences.