Italian News Headlines 15-07-2025: 45 people were injured in Rome when a petrol station exploded, following a smaller explosion caused by a truck hitting a gas pipe --- Twenty Italian seaside resorts have been awarded Cinque Vele status by the Legambiente and Touring Club Italiano, of which six are in Sardinia. The beach at Domus de Maria, in southern Sardinia, has received the highest ranking in 2025 --- The world's most famous Tik Toker, Italian, Kharby Lame, was arrested and then expelled from the United States for remaining in the country after his visa expired. --- The Italian navy training ship, Amerigo Vespucci, arrived in Cagliari to be welcomed by Luna Rossa, the winner of the 37th America's Cup youth and women's tournament --- Italy will host the 38th edition of the America's Cup in Naples in 2027 --- Robert Francis Prevost from the USA has been chosen as the new pope, taking the name, Pope Leo XIV --- Two floating cranes, one of which is among the most powerful in Europe, have begun the process of lifting the sunken superyacht, the Bayesian, to the surface off the coast of Sicily --- Italian racing driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the F1 Mercedes team's replacement for Lewis Hamilton, became the youngest driver to take a Formula 1 pole position for the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix --- King Charles III addresses the Italian Parliament in Italian, during his state visit of Italy --- A new discovery at Pompei has uncovered near life-sized frescoes that depict religious practices that were popular in the ancient city before its destruction in AD79

Province of Isernia

Isernia Province
Il Matese da Roccamandolfi, province of Isernia
Oscar Vignone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tucked away in Italy’s second smallest region, Molise, the Province of Isernia remains a truly undiscovered destination. Unlike the tourist-heavy regions of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, Isernia promises something rare: authenticity, silence, and unfiltered beauty. With its prehistoric roots, medieval towns, and rugged mountain landscapes, it’s a place for curious travelers hungry for raw, emotional, and timeless Italy.

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Isernia Province
Province of Isernia, Molise

A Region Steeped in Prehistoric History

Isernia is home to one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites: the Isernia La Pineta Paleolithic site, discovered in the 1970s. Here, archaeologists uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back over 700,000 years, including tools, bones, and remnants of fire use. Today, you can visit the Museo Nazionale del Paleolitico, where these finds are on display, offering an unforgettable glimpse into early human life.

The City of Isernia: Layers of Civilization

The provincial capital, Isernia, is a city built on a palimpsest of cultures, Samnite, Roman, Lombard, Norman, and Bourbon. The historic center is an evocative tangle of narrow alleys, stairways, and piazzas. It’s a town for wandering and absorbing, where ancient stones, baroque balconies, and Roman arches coexist quietly.

Must-see sites in Isernia:

Fontana Fraterna – a 13th-century fountain built from repurposed Roman stones. A true symbol of the city.

Corso Marcelli – the main pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and vibrant local life.

Roman ruins – including remains of the ancient Roman bridge and aqueduct, evidence of Isernia’s prominence in antiquity.

Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo – built on the site of a Roman temple, it reflects the layers of faith and history that define Isernia.

Medieval Villages and Fortresses

The Province of Isernia is peppered with fortified towns and hilltop villages, many virtually untouched by time. These small towns offer incredible architecture, dramatic scenery, and quiet charm.

Some of the most enchanting include:

Agnone – Known for its bell foundry, Marinelli, which has been making church bells for over 1,000 years. It’s one of the oldest family businesses in the world.

Forlì del Sannio and Castel San Vincenzo – Both nestled in the upper Volturno Valley, offering spellbinding mountain views.

Pesche – Perched on the rocks like a natural sculpture, this tiny village is an architectural gem.

Each village offers a piece of living history and a connection to ancient Molisan identity.

Nature’s Majesty: Mountains, Forests, and Waterfalls

Isernia is a dream for nature lovers and hikers, with landscapes that remain wild, varied, and unspoiled. The Apennine Mountains cross the province, making it ideal for outdoor activities all year round.

Key Natural Attractions:

National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise – The southern tip of this celebrated park falls into Isernia, offering opportunities to see wolves, bears, and golden eagles in their natural habitat.

Mainarde Mountains – Rugged, forested, and remote, perfect for challenging hikes.

Lake Castel San Vincenzo – A tranquil, turquoise reservoir surrounded by forests and peaks. Great for canoeing, picnics, and peaceful walks.

Cascate del Volturno (Volturno Waterfalls) – Spectacular waterfalls near Rocchetta a Volturno, ideal for photo lovers and summer cool-downs.

Traditions, Festivals, and Rural Life

The culture of Isernia is intensely local and deeply rooted. From seasonal food festivals to religious processions, the rhythms of life are still guided by nature and tradition.

La ‘Ndocciata in Agnone – One of Italy’s most spectacular fire festivals, held in December. Massive flaming torches are carried through the streets, creating an unforgettable scene.

Transhumance Routes – The province is crisscrossed by ancient sheep trails, once used by shepherds moving flocks seasonally. Today, some are still walked or biked for cultural tourism.

Artisan Crafts – Besides bell making in Agnone, traditional lacework, copperware, and cheesemaking are alive and well in the province.

Flavors of the Land: Isernia’s Cuisine

The local food is as rustic and honest as the land itself. Every dish is based on seasonal ingredients and centuries-old customs. Must-try specialties include:

Caciocavallo di Agnone – A stretched-curd cheese aged in caves and hung in pairs.

Truffle dishes – Especially black truffle, which grows abundantly in Molise’s forests.

Taccozze e fagioli – A handmade pasta with beans and tomato sauce, classic peasant fare.

Capofreddo – A cured meat typical of Isernia’s mountainous terrain.

Local wines and liqueurs, including those made with wild herbs and saffron, round out the culinary experience.

Why Isernia Is the New Frontier for Authentic Travel

As travelers increasingly seek destinations off the beaten path, Isernia offers an unmatched mix of ancient history, dramatic nature, deep-rooted culture, and unfiltered charm. It’s where you go to disconnect from mass tourism and reconnect with the essence of Italy.

Isernia is best reached by car from Rome or Naples, making it a perfect weekend escape or part of a slow travel itinerary through Italy’s forgotten regions. If you’re looking for Italy without filters, real, raw, and full of wonder, the Province of Isernia is waiting to be discovered.

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Flag of Molise
Flag of Molise
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 4,438 km²
      Population: 320,907
      Density: 72/km²
      Capital: Campobasso

      National Parks:
      The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
Location of Molise
Location of Molise
Provinces of Molise
Provinces of Molise
  • Comunes of Molise
    • Campobasso
      • Acquaviva Collecroce
        Baranello
        Bojano
        Bonefro
        Busso
        Campobasso
        Campochiaro
        Campodipietra
        Campolieto
        Campomarino
        Casacalenda
        Casalciprano
        Castelbottaccio
        Castellino del Biferno
        Castelmauro
        Castropignano
        Cercemaggiore
        Cercepiccola
        Civitacampomarano
        Colle d’Anchise
        Colletorto
        Duronia
        Ferrazzano
        Fossalto
        Gambatesa
        Gildone
        Guardialfiera
        Guardiaregia
        Guglionesi
        Jelsi
        Larino
        Limosano
        Lucito
        Lupara
        Macchia Valfortore
        Mafalda
        Matrice
        Mirabello Sannitico
        Molise
        Monacilioni
        Montagano
        Montecilfone
        Montefalcone nel Sannio
        Montelongo
        Montemitro
        Montenero di Bisaccia
        Montorio nei Frentani
        Morrone del Sannio
        Oratino
        Palata
        Petacciato
        Petrella Tifernina
        Pietracatella
        Pietracupa
        Portocannone
        Provvidenti
        Riccia
        Ripabottoni
        Ripalimosani
        Roccavivara
        Rotello
        Salcito
        San Biase
        San Felice del Molise
        San Giacomo degli Schiavoni
        San Giovanni in Galdo
        San Giuliano del Sannio
        San Giuliano di Puglia
        San Martino in Pensilis
        San Massimo
        San Polo Matese
        Santa Croce di Magliano
        Sant’Angelo Limosano
        Sant’Elia a Pianisi
        Sepino
        Spinete
        Tavenna
        Termoli
        Torella del Sannio
        Toro
        Trivento
        Tufara
        Ururi
        Vinchiaturo

    • Isernia
      • Acquaviva d’Isernia
        Agnone
        Bagnoli del Trigno
        Belmonte del Sannio
        Cantalupo nel Sannio
        Capracotta
        Carovilli
        Carpinone
        Castel del Giudice
        Castel San Vincenzo
        Castelpetroso
        Castelpizzuto
        Castelverrino
        Cerro al Volturno
        Chiauci
        Civitanova del Sannio
        Colli a Volturno
        Conca Casale
        Filignano
        Forlì del Sannio
        Fornelli
        Frosolone
        Isernia
        Longano
        Macchia d’Isernia
        Macchiagodena
        Miranda
        Montaquila
        Montenero Val Cocchiara
        Monteroduni
        Pesche
        Pescolanciano
        Pescopennataro
        Pettoranello del Molise
        Pietrabbondante
        Pizzone
        Poggio Sannita
        Pozzilli
        Rionero Sannitico
        Roccamandolfi
        Roccasicura
        Rocchetta a Volturno
        San Pietro Avellana
        Santa Maria del Molise
        Sant’Agapito
        Sant’Angelo del Pesco
        Sant’Elena Sannita
        Scapoli
        Sessano del Molise
        Sesto Campano
        Vastogirardi
Molise Airports
Airports of Molise
Hotels in Molise
Hotels in Molise
MoliseWEATHER
Molise Climate (Campobasso)
 
High
Low
Sun
Rain
Jan
6
1
-
63
Feb
7
1
-
54
Mar
9
2
-
53
Apr
13
5
-
60
May
18
9
-
46
Jun
22
13
-
42
Jul
25
15
-
29
Aug
25
15
-
36
Sep
21
13
-
45
Oct
16
9
-
70
Nov
11
5
-
80
Dec
8
2
-
74
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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