Frosolone
Welcome to the Province of Isernia: a small Italian gem
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover one of the smallest and least known provinces in Italy? Today I will talk to you about the province of Isernia, located in the Molise region, with just over 80,000 inhabitants. But don't be fooled by its size: here you will find breathtaking landscapes, millennia of history, and a quality of life that is difficult to find elsewhere.
The physical geography of the province
The province of Isernia is characterized by a mainly mountainous territory, with some areas of hills and plains in the southwest, where we find the plain of Venafro. The province borders the Abruzzo provinces of L'Aquila and Chieti to the north, the province of Campobasso to the east, the province of Caserta in Campania to the south, and the province of Frosinone in Lazio to the west.
The mountains
What makes this province unique are its mountains, which form three mountain ranges: the Monti della Meta, Matese, and Alto Molise. In the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, located in the mountain range of the Mainarde, you will find the municipalities of Pizzone, Castel San Vincenzo, Rocchetta a Volturno, Scapoli, and Filignano. Here, you can go on hikes and enjoy truly breathtaking views, from the Monti della Meta to the peaks of Monte Mare and Monte Marrone.
The massif of Matese, in the south of the province, is home to the municipalities of Sant'Agapito, Pettoranello, Monteroduni, Longano, Castelpizzuto, Castelpetroso, Roccamandolfi, and Cantalupo nel Sannio. Within this mountain range, you will find Monte Miletto with its 2050 meters above sea level, Monte Patalecchia with 1400 meters above sea level, and Colle di Mezzo with 1426 meters above sea level.
The Molisan Mountains, located in the southeast of the province, are another great sight for sore eyes. Among the municipalities that make it up are Frosolone, Civitanova del Sannio, and Macchiagodena.
Finally, you can't miss the mountains of Venafro, which surround the plain with peaks that exceed 1000 meters in altitude. Here, you can visit the municipalities of Venafro, Sesto Campano, Conca Casale, and Pozzilli.
The municipalities
The province of Isernia is composed of 52 municipalities, many of which have fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. However, there are some more important cities from a socio-economic point of view that are worth visiting. Among these are Isernia, Venafro, Agnone, and Frosolone, whose municipal coats of arms make up the provincial one. Even the small villages are jewels to discover for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture and tradition.
The history of the province
The province of Isernia has a millennia-long history dating back to the Roman period. On the Via Traiana, one of the most important Roman roads, you will find the Ponte delle Chiarne, a magnificent Roman bridge with three arches that crosses the Carpino River.
Among the most important monuments are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Isernia, which is located on the top of the historic center, and the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno, an important Benedictine monastery from both a historical and artistic point of view.
The culture and tradition of the province
The province of Isernia is well known for its traditions, ranging from costumes to folk dances. During the patron saint festivals, for example, you can see traditional costumes paraded and watch performances where dancers wear shoes called "scarpell," handmade by local shoemakers.
Moreover, the province is also known for its simple but delicious cuisine, with dishes based on meat and fresh fish. Among the most typical dishes are soups, such as the fava bean soup and the chickpea soup, and almond-based desserts.
Conclusions
The province of Isernia is a small gem hidden in the heart of Molise, which is worth visiting for the beauty of its landscapes, its millennia-long history, and its culture and tradition. Don't be intimidated by its size: here you will find a real oasis of peace and tranquility, with the opportunity to enjoy nature and discover ancient traditions. If you have the opportunity, don't miss the chance to visit it!
