In recent years there has been a rediscovery of the Italian villages, as well as a hunt for the locations less beaten by mass tourism, the so -called Overurism, a process probably triggered by the growing desire for authenticity in the experience of the travel and, consequently, by the search for sustainable tourism and linked to local traditions.
If you are looking for a little known destination in which to spend a holiday far from the chaos, you are in the right place: in fact we are about to tell you about a magical place, which you would never have thought of finding in the heart of our dear peninsula.
We are talking about the Castle of Capua, located in the municipality of Gambatesa – province of Campobasso, in Molise – a medieval manor that will transport you with the mind towards the strong Highlands of Scotland, so admired in films and TV series.
The Castle of Capua in Gambatesa
Capua Castle is located on the hill of hill serroneof the historic center of the town. During 1200, Riccardo da Pietravalle became the lord of a place that will take his name from his physical defect: Gambatese. We are in a border area between Molise and Puglia characterized by mountain reliefs, in an area where the control of the transhumance routes made the richness of families who succeeded each other as the local lords, with the castle that became the symbol of this prosperity.
Between history and art in Molise
The Capua family bought the castle in 1484 and revolutionized its architecture, abandoning many of the severe medieval military architectures and huge by making it an elegant palace.
For these reasons, the manor today takes on the denomination “of Capua” and “Gambatese”, respectively from the names of the first owners and by the name of those who definitively removed the building.
In 1550 Vincenzo Di Capua, architect of the Renaissance transformation of the historical homecommissioned the pictorial cycle of mannerist to the painter Donato Decumbertinofollower of the Vasari.
The original and massive medieval structure of a square-shaped shape with the Guelph-on the south-west side and the corner towers in the north-east direction is clearly visible, while the buzzed portal, the windows and the loggler with three round arches that open on the north-west facade are of Renaissance style, added in the XV-XVI century.
Since December 2014, the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities managed the Castle through the Museum Pole of Molise, in December 2019 which became regional museum direction. Access to the site provides for an entrance ticket and access is allowed up to 30 minutes before closing.
For those who love nature: Lake Occhito
A few kilometers from the town we find Lake Occhito, an artificial lake deriving from the barrier of the waters of the Fortore river and which separates Molise from Puglia.
This lake is The largest artificial basin in Italy and the second in Europe. The lake has become an important economic resource for the surrounding area, in fact, several activities such as farmhouses, restaurants and bars were born nearby, frequented in the summer months by vacationers and fishermen.
The lake and the whole area has been identified as Oasis of protection (protected natural areas that aim to preserve a habitat and the species that inhabit it). Due to its environmental characteristics, here there are refuge La Lonra and many other animals such as rates and mates, as well as tinche, eels, carp and other types of fish. It enriches the natural environment the flora, with oaks, holm oaks and maritime pines that cover the shores of the pelvis. It is therefore an ideal place to spend a prolonged holiday.
Relax and green activities
For those who want to spend even one day outdoors, different are available picnic areas along the lake. These areas, entirely surrounded by greenery, are equipped with tables and benches, ideal for family lunches or with friends and the tranquility of the place, combined with the beauty of the lake landscape, makes the experience truly relaxing.
For those who wish to move, obviously there is no shortage of activities. For example, there is the Panoramic patha ring route that allows you to skirt the lake and enjoy an extraordinary view of the surrounding waters and hills. The length of the route is variable according to the starting point and from the deviations chosen.
For those who love the most dynamic activities, there is also the Trekking of Molise Lakes which connects the lake of Occhito to the Lake of Guardialfiera. The route has a prolonged duration with daily stages of about 5-6 hours of walking and requires good physical resistance.
In short, what are you waiting for to immerse yourself among the artistic and natural beauty of Molise?
