Campobasso is the capital of the Molise province, in South-Central Italy. The region is the perfect place for those who like a varied landscape as outside the city the region boasts various villages and towns dotted among cliffs and mountains, alongside rivers, lakes, and the Adriatic sea.
As for the city itself, it is reputed to have been founded by the Lombards in the 8th Century and it comprises an old town and a newer version, built on more fertile soil lower down the hill, after the old town was abandoned by its inhabitants in 1732.
The old town may no longer be inhabited but there are plenty of things to visit to give you a taste of the old life. Visitors can go to see the famous Castello Monforte, built in 1459. It still has its medieval walls in tact, as well as six towers, and traces of ancient settlements have been found on its site. The castle is actually the symbol of the city, and when you reach the top you are rewarded with 360 degree panoramic views of the whole city and its surroundings. It dominates the city and a large part of the countryside around it. It is up a steep hill, and although it is reachable by car, if you face the challenge of walking up to the top you will be able to take in the views along the way on this tree-lined road, and imagine yourself walking back in time to the medieval age.
There are also two Romanesque churches in the old town, the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Church of Saint George (the oldest in Campobasso). The Church of Saint George is next to the Castle and preserves some wonderful precious frescoes from the 14th Century.
The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is also near the castle and was built in the 11th century. It is most noted for housing a wooden statue of the Incoronata.
As for the new town, expanded by the King of Naples in 1814, you can take in the sights of the neoclassical cathedral. Near the port you can find the church of Saint Anthony Abate which houses important pieces including the main altar and the organ.
The Sannitico Provincial Museum is found on the beautiful Mazzarotta Palace and preserves a spectacular collection of remains from the Samnite era.There are a few more palaces in the city, ranging from ones with impressive Botanical gardens to those in a Neoclassical style.
The most famous event in Campobasso is the Procession of the Mysteries (la Processione dei Misteri). It is a delight for locals and visitors alike, and anyone who is lucky enough to witness it claims that it one of the most unique and traditional experiences that you can have in Italy. It is one of the most ancient religious festivals in the whole of Italy, first starting in the 15th Century. It is still considered to be one of the most important evens in the calendar, bringing together past, present, and future.
Another favourite event for those in Campobassi is the Flower Festival (The Infiorata). During the festival masses of local flowers are laid on the ground, forming a vibrant colourful carpet on the streets to celebrate the last week of May (Corpus Domini). As well as the laying of flowers, the Madonna dei Monti is carried through the city’s streets.
Did you know that Campobasso is also known as 'Canada Town' or 'Maple Leaf City’? This is due to the impact that the occupation by the Canadian Troops had on the city after the Second World War.
Despite being only 150km North of sweltering Naples, Campobasso is actually considered to be one of Italy’s coolest cities, allowing you to enjoy all the sights that the South of Italy has to offer but without the often crippling heat of the others. The weather is perfect for exploring the nearby Sannico and Matese mountains. The temperature ranges from 12 to a pleasant 26 degree celsius.
One of the most notable traits of this city is how friendly and generous the inhabitants are. Most people who have visited Campobasso comment on how welcome they were made to feel, often receiving food and gifts from locals when getting to know them. It is a city for people who want to experience what real Southern Italian hospitality is all about, and what makes this part of the world unique and unspoilt. As for food, Campobasso is famous for the production of pears and scamorza cheese so make sure to sample some of these.
With a small historic centre, it is a great city to absorb yourself in tourist-free Italian life and to really get to know the south of italy in a safe and pleasant environment. It makes for a perfect base to explore the beautiful province of Campobasso. The Monti dei Matese (the Maltese Mountains) loom over the city. Here you can find the Campitello Matese, a well-known ski resort which is also open in the Summer for various sports. For those wanting to be closer to sea level, there is the popular seaside resort of Termoli.
Other than skiing and enjoying the sea and the beach, visitors can enjoy all the activities that the beautiful countryside and rivers, and lakes can offer, bordering the Adriatic coast.
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