POSSIBLE EXCURSIONS AND PLACES OF INTEREST

TERMOLI - CASTELLO

MOLISE TERMOLI (km 5) Termoli has a suggestive medieval hamlet dominated by the Svevo Castle, a perfectly preserved example of the system of fortifications built by the Swabian Emperor Frederick II in the year 1247; a short distance away the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione, better known as the Cathedral of San Basso can be found. The Cathedral maintains an unaltered aura of a sacred medieval construction, built in various phases beginning in the early Middle Ages and terminating in the XIII century.

LARINO (km 24)
Ancient capital of the Frentani people where one can admire the Roman Amphitheatre dating back to 80 AC, the picturesque historical centre with a medieval style, the Ducal Palace with its precious mosaic floors and the Cathedral of San Pardo, in Roman-Gothic style, built in 1391.

AGNONE (km 95)
A beautiful and picturesque ancient hamlet embellished by numerous churches and small handicraft workshops specializing in the working of copper.

A must to visit is the most ancient foundry of church bells in the world: the Pontificata Fonderia Marinelli where it is possible to admire the magnificent bells in the Historical Museum and listen to an emotional concert of bells.

CAMPOBASSO (km 70) Capital city of the Molise region. Its characteristic historical centre, dominated by the Monforte Castle, is home to important churches such as: the Church of St. Anthony, an example of baroque art; the churches of San Giorgio, San Bartolomeo and San Leonardo, all representing Roman art. A must to visit is the Samnite Provincial Museum and the Museum of the Mysteries.

ISERNIA (km 106)
A dignified provincial capital city that boasts the dawn of prehistoric civilization in Europe. Of interest: the Cathedral of San Paolo Apostolo, built on a preexisting Italic temple, the Museum of Santa Maria delle Monache with examples from the Samnite and Roman periods and the trecento Fraterna Fountain.

SEPINO (km 98)
Saepinum, as it was called in the past, is the most fascinating antique city of the Molise region. It rose over two thousand years ago in the green Alto Molise along the "Tratturo" (cattle track) Pescasseroli-Candela. The columns and the Ionic capitals of the Basilica, the forum, the tomb of the Numisi, the mausoleum of Ennio Marso, the paved streets and the fortified gateways of Terravecchia and Boiano are all reminders of the importance of this centre for the shepherds travelling between the Apennines and the tablelands.

WWF OASI  of GUARDIAREGIA (km 98)
The second largest WWF Oasis in Italy, a reclamation area with a high naturalistic value and numerous species of plants and animals.

MAB RESERVE (km 130)
The MaB (Man and Biosphere) Reserve of Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo, is one of the five present in Italy, established by UNESCO for its peculiar geomorphic characteristics and its vegetation. The Reserve was established with the objective of protecting natural areas through the study of man and his relationship to the plant and animal world. A must to visit is the three areas, in the visitor section, dedicated to shrubs, geology and the local fauna.

PIETRABBONDANTE (km 90)
A small town marked by the Samnite-Pentri civilization, a proud people who opposed Roman domination; its cultural identity is visible in the archeological area of Bovianum Vetus characterized by an ample complex of monuments including the remains of the powerful polygonal walls, temples, workshops and a theatre containing 2 500 seats.

CANNETO SANCTUARY (km 55)
Situated along the bank of the Trigno River, the Sanctuary dates back to the XI-XII centuries thanks to the Benedictines of Montecassino; it is possible to admire the remains of a rustic Roman Villa nearby.

CASTELPETROSO SANCTUARY (km 97)
A place of intense pilgrimage built on the spot where the Virgin Lady of Sorrows appeared twice in 1888.

PUGLIA

TREMITI ISLANDS (50 min crossing by hydrofoil boat) Beautiful and legendary islands, also known as the "Pearls of the Adriatic". The island of San Domino is the biggest of the archipelago and the richest in nature, while the island of San Nicola is more important historically and artistically. The island of San Nicola has numerous examples of historical importance which are protected from the embrasures of the look out towers and the high rocky slopes. The Abbey of S. Maria a Mare is an imposing and fascinating structure of medieval and Byzantine origin where it is possible to admire precious works of art such as the polychromatic mosaic floor of the XI century and the wooden polyptych of the XV century.

There is the possibility to take emotional boat trips around the spectacular island of San Domino to admire the deep blue sea floor, the suggestive inlets and the marvellous natural marine caverns.

The Promontory overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is home to the Umbrian Forest, the heart of the Gargano National Park which stretches to the inner area of the Gargano Promontory and is rich in an unexpected succession of plants, flowers and Karst landscapes of an intact and motionless beauty.

A pleasant stopover at the fallow deer pen and in the town of Vieste with its picturesque medieval hamlet atop a very white calcareous falaise is a must.

SAN GIOVANNI ROTONDO (km 121)
The place where Padre Pio lived; a must to visit is the Antique Church passing through the Tomb to reach his cell; the Crucifix of the Stigmata and the Via Crucis; the new Church designed by the architect Renzo Piano.

Nearby there is Mount Sant'Angelo, known for its sanctuary-grotto, the alabaster statue of the Archangel St. Michael, the various examples of historical architecture and the spectacular view of the Gulf of Manfredonia.

ABRUZZO

VASTO (km 38) Ancient city of Histonium where it is possible to admire the Caldoresco Castle, an ancient military fortification in Barbacani Square and in Rossetti Square; an antique Roman amphitheatre; of interest:the panoramic and suggestive Ambling Loggia, the Roman cisterns, the Church of S.Maria Maggiore, the Cathedral of St. Joseph and the elegant and noble palace of the Marquis D'Avalos. LANCIANO (km 77) City of art, fairs and the Eucharistical Miracle, the miracle took place in the VIII century when a large host transformed into Flesh and the wine into Blood. The Eucharistical Miracle is preserved in the Sanctuary of San Francesco and it is the first and the biggest of the Catholic church.