Capracotta
Welcome to Capracotta
Hello everyone! Today we'll talk about a little gem in Italy: Capracotta, a municipality of 801 inhabitants located in the province of Isernia, in Molise. With its natural beauty and sports activities, Capracotta is a must-visit for mountain and skiing lovers. Let's discover more about this delightful town together.
The Physical Geography of Capracotta
Capracotta is one of the highest municipalities in the Apennines. It is located 1,421 meters above sea level and is the highest municipality in Molise. The town is located between Pescopennataro and Sant'Angelo del Pesco to the North, Agnone to the East, Vastogirardi to the South, and San Pietro Avellana and Castel del Giudice. The highest point in the municipality is the summit of Monte Campo at 1746 meters. In the territory of Capracotta, there are also the sources of Verrino, an important tributary of the Trigno river. Just outside the town is the Garden of Appennine flora, which houses numerous plant and tree species of southern Italy.
Skiing in Capracotta
Capracotta offers numerous opportunities for skiing enthusiasts. Two important facilities are present on site. The first, at Monte Capraro, is dedicated to alpine skiing and has a modern chairlift. The other facility, located in Prato Gentile, is ideal for cross-country skiing and hosted the Italian National Championships of cross-country skiing in 1997.
The Climate of Capracotta
Let's not be fooled by the size of the town! Capracotta is a high-level climatic location and is often hit by snowstorms during the winter. In fact, it is known as the "town of snowstorms." Snow can easily exceed one meter, especially in January and February. However, a storm in March 2015 recorded a record of 256 centimeters of snow in 18 hours, although this last measurement was subsequently corrected to 90-120 centimeters. If you love skiing and snow, Capracotta is the perfect destination for you.
The Origin of the Name of Capracotta
The origin of the name Capracotta is quite controversial. According to some theories, the name derives from the union of the Latin terms "Castra cocta," associated with the presence of a military camp with brick fencing. However, more recent research indicates the Lombard religious tradition as a possible origin of the name. In fact, it seems that the Lombards sacrificed a goat in honor of their god Thor, just after settling in a newly conquered place. In this sense, the name Capracotta would derive from the word "goat" and the practice of animal sacrifice.
Conclusions
Capracotta is a must-visit for those who love mountains and skiing. With its high location, breathtaking scenery, and modern skiing facilities, Capracotta is an ideal location to spend your winter vacation. Additionally, the territory offers numerous opportunities to discover the beauty of Molise and the Appennine flora. Come and discover Capracotta, and you won't regret it!
