Sannitic Routes and Settlements
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The heart of a territory, known as Sannio, based on migratory paths - tratturi - between the Appennines and the plains of Apuglia is located in Molise. The lifestyle of indigineous peoples revolved around these cycles. The itinerary follows some of these routes, illustrating the heritage left behind and discovering typical mountaintop villages and castles. |
| Isernia |
 Recent archeological digs in this provincial capital have unearthed paleolithic remains dating some 700.000 years back. A number of traces remain of the ancient Aesernia: the remains of a Roman bridge, portions of protective walls and four statues and an alter under the supports of the Cathedral's medieval arch. The local museum is located in the ex-convent of S. Maria Assunta. |
| Trigno Valleys |
Capracotta, at 1400m one of the towns with the highest altitude in central-southern Italy, experienced significant development during the XVth century as illustrated by its historical centre. At Monte Cavallerizzo, the poligonal walls are of sannitic origin. In Pescopennataro, the panorama and the castle ruins (as a result of WWII bombings) are evocative.
 The panoramic position of Agnone is home to an ancient town, with a thousand-year old tradition of foundries specializing in the production of bells. Monuments of note include the Gothic S. Emidio (XVth century) and the church of S. Marco and its Renaissance monumental doors.
 Pietrabbondante is home to a very important archeological site. In its time it was an important center of Sannitic political and religious life. Of that period remain a smaller temple dating back to the IInd century B.C. and the larger temple-theater, the largest such structure ever built in Sannio.
Before returing to Isernia, we suggest a stopover in Pescolanciano to visit the well-preserved castle. |
| At the base of the Matese |
 Following the main road southbound one reaches Bojano, capital of the Pentri Sannites. Traces of ancient times are not immediately obvious; however, the orthogonal urban layout comes from this period as other structures simply adapted to them. 4km away, in Civita Superiore, are the remains of polygonal walls and the ruins of a Lungobard castle.
A few kilometers from the town of Sepino are remains of Sannitic and Roman settlements: protective walls, a forum, a basilica, a theater and funeral artifacts, as well as private homes. |
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