Isernia, aurora

Molise is an Italian mountainous region with a stretch of coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It includes a part of the Abruzzo National Park in the Apennine mountain range, with a rich wildlife.

Nostra Signora della Via (Italian: Santa Maria della Strada) is an abbey in the municipality of Matrice, Campobasso. The date of construction of the abbey is not known, but it was consecrated in August 1148 by Peter II, archbishop of Benevento. In 1153 it appears in a list of churches and monasteries under the jurisdiction of Peter II drawn up for Pope Anastasius IV. The first abbot may have been called Landulfus, as "Abbas Landulfus" was engraved on a paving stone inside the church. Nazzarius is named abbot in a document from 1176. His foundation has historically been linked to the monastery of Santa Sofia of Benevento, but there is no evidence to support this claim. It is possible that the great abbey of Montecassino was involved, but the fact that the abbey is not listed as a subject house in medieval documents casts doubt on this claim. The eponymous Santa Maria de Strata appears in a register of the Abbey's possessions, but is believed to refer to a separate monastery in the vicinity of San Germano.

In the heart of a very small village in Molise, immersed in an enchanted forest and floral nature, stands the Carpinone waterfall, one of the most fascinating natural spectacles of the place. The rush of foaming water, which rushes downwards, pervades you as soon as you take the path and when you finally reach it you have a fantastic visual effect of light and roar. The Carpinone waterfall is becoming one of the major natural attractions of Molise, thanks also to a group of volunteers who, for some years, have been taking care of its appearance to make it accessible to everyone and not just to the few enthusiasts or those who despise the danger... She's too beautiful to leave there alone! It was born as a gift from nature and can be reached by following various paths, all immersed in the bright greenery of Molise and all marked with hand-made wooden signs, so as not to affect the suggestive panorama. As you walk, you feel a very pleasant emotion thanks to the direct contact with nature, the breathing of healthy, clean air and the sight of wonderful floral species that make everything fairytale-like.

The main monument of the town, it was founded as a watchtower by the Lombards, and in 1269 by Charles I of Anjou it was donated to Barrasio, who governed it on behalf of Naples.

The church has two naves and a rectangular plan, the perimeter wall is made of stone and is plastered. The entrance to the church is from an external staircase that leads to a loggia.

Roccasicura (La Ròcca in Molise) is an Italian town of 484 inhabitants in the province of Isernia in Molise

Molise is an Italian mountainous region with a stretch of coast overlooking the Adriatic Sea. It includes a part of the Abruzzo National Park in the Apennine mountain range, with a rich wildlife.

Baronial castle of Alena: the castle occupies a substantial portion of the ancient circular village. It was built around 1100 by Clementina, daughter of Roger II Norman, king of Sicily, when the feud was part of the county of Ugone del Molise. The garrison passed into the hands of the Anjou, the Afflitto and the Rotondi barons. In 1480 it was restored in Renaissance style as a patrician residence, purchased by Giovanni Donato della Marra, who was count of Macchia. In 1748 the castle was sold to Maria Grazia Rotondi, then given to Nicola d'Alena. Celeste d'Alena was baroness of Macchia, married to the Frisaris, counts of Bisceglie and patricians of Castel San Vincenzo. The façade of the building dominates the square in front of the village, embellished by a Renaissance loggia with round arches. The first part of this loggia dates back to the Aragonese era, with a roof resting on 5 small arches. The rest of the castle is spread over 3 levels, of which the highest is the attic. In the internal courtyard, the beautiful Renaissance staircase with the colonnade stands out, which leads to the main floors. On the ground floor there are cellars, stables and servants' rooms. The upper floor was the residence of the nobles, with various rooms, including the private chapel with various relics. In 1984 the castle was extensively restored, being brought back to its eighteenth-century splendour.