Venafro
Welcome to the Province of Isernia!
The Province of Isernia is a small and charming region in the Molise region of Italy, with a population of 80,006 inhabitants. Despite being the least populous province in Italy, it is rich in natural and cultural beauty that is worth exploring. With its 52 municipalities, many of which have fewer than a thousand inhabitants, it offers a true oasis of peace and tranquility, far from the chaos of big cities.
Let's explore the physical geography
The Province of Isernia is predominantly mountainous, but towards the southwest, the mountains give way to hills and plains. It borders on Abruzzo to the north, the province of Campobasso to the east, Campania to the south, and Lazio to the west. The highest mountain range in the province can be found in the Monti della Meta#, which is home to municipalities belonging to the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Here, you can find the peaks of Monte Mare (2,020 m above sea level) and Monte Marrone (1,805 m above sea level). The mountain range of Matese to the south of the province is bounded by the border with the province of Caserta and includes peaks such as Monte Miletto, which reaches 2050 m above sea level, and Monte Patalecchia, with 1400 m above sea level. The mountains of Alto Molise to the north of the province include the municipalities belonging to the Alto Molise Mountain Community, among which the most important are Capracotta and Agnone, with their main mountains such as Monte Campo (1745 m above sea level) and Monte Capraro (1557 m above sea level). Finally, the mountains of Venafro surround the plain and host peaks such as Monte Sambucaro (1205 m above sea level), Monte Cesima (1180 m above sea level), and Monte Corno (1054 m above sea level).
Let's discover the municipalities
The Province of Isernia is divided into 52 municipalities, many of which have a population of less than a thousand inhabitants. The most important municipalities from a socio-economic point of view are Isernia, Venafro, Agnone, and Frosolone, which form the four municipal coats of arms of the province. The municipalities of the province are all characterized by their uniqueness and beauty, each with their own culture, customs, and traditions.
The municipalities of Isernia and Venafro
Isernia, the capital of the province, is a small city of about 21,000 inhabitants, located 420 meters above sea level. Known for its well-preserved historic center, it also offers the opportunity to visit the National Museum of the Paleolithic. Venafro, the second-largest municipality in the province, is a fusion between the medieval village of Venafro and the Roman village of Venafrum. The city is famous for its medieval castle and the weekly Friday market, where you can buy local handicrafts.
The municipalities of Agnone and Frosolone
Agnone is a city of about 5,600 inhabitants, famous for its production of bronze bells. In fact, the Bell Museum is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Frosolone, with its approximately 3,700 inhabitants, is a municipality located in the mountains of the Molise Apennines. It is mainly known for its production of knives, which have been made by local master knife makers for generations.
Other municipalities
The remaining municipalities in the Province of Isernia are equally beautiful and interesting to visit. For example, the municipality of Castelpetroso, with its imposing abbey, is a must-see for art and architecture lovers. The municipality of Pietrabbondante hosts the archaeological site of a Roman city and the Sannitic Theater, one of the oldest theaters in Italy. The municipality of Pescolanciano is known for its ancient fountains, while the municipality of Scapoli is famous for the traditional production of bagpipes.
Conclusion
The Province of Isernia is a lesser-known gem of Italy, but full of natural and cultural wonders. With its 52 municipalities, it offers a vast opportunity to explore its unique beauty and local culture. The mountains, castles, churches, and cuisine, together with the hospitality of its people, make it a charming destination. If you are looking for an authentic adventure and do not want to waste time in crowded tourist centers, come to visit the Province of Isernia and be surprised by its beauty.
