Regional Feature near Campobasso

There are cute towns dotted all around the countryside in Molise, but a special one that was again recommended by my Molise authority, Maggie, is Ferrazzano. She recommended it for the beauty and because her ‘nonna’ (grandmother) was born there. Part of the fun is the sinuous road you take up to reach the medieval village. It is said to be medieval as in the 12th century it was ruled by Riccardo Camarda, and then changed hands to other powerful families, rising to some prominence in the region. Still, the origins can be traced back to the pre-Roman Samnites, who populated the region before the Romans took hold and the Samnites were assimilated into the powerful empire.

Drive up to the top. There are parking spots conveniently located with a scenic panorama in front. When we arrived, as I visited in February, the sun had already gone done. Thus, we were treated to a night view of the lights across Campobasso below.

Wander around the quiet town. You will see the small Carafa Castle, which is Norman in origin. Although the video is in Italian, you can get a good feel for the town from watching the images presented in the first few minutes. Another claim to fame that you can read more about here, is that actor Robert De Niro’s great grandparents are from Ferrazzano. Although the video (above) is narrated in Italian, you can still be enticed with dazzling images in and around the town, especially in the first few minutes.

Observe village life over an aperitivo at bar AmBARaba. This casual bar is not far from the Belvedere viewpoint, and it is a nice local spot for a spritz before, after and while taking in the beautiful views.