Val Nicastro shares the best places to eat, stay and explore in Campobasso…
Where to Eat
LA GROTTA DI ZI’ CONCETTA | Via Larino, 7 +39 0874 311378
The authentic cuisine of Molise shines in this cosy trattoria. An institution in Campobasso, it serves hearty local delicacies (try pizza e minestra and affunnatiello molisana) paired with Tintilia wine, the local pride and joy.
The place is tiny and fills up quickly with locals and tourists, so make sure you book in advance.
RISTORANTE DA MARIO | Via Isernia, 23
This lovely trattoria in the town centre is another great place where locals and tourists rub shoulders at the table. It’s a culinary journey across the region, with a menu that’s listed by voice and as no-frills as the décor.
ACINIELLO | Via Torino, 4
Aciniello offers local food and wine in a welcoming atmosphere, with a focus on meat and cod. They make an amazing cavatelli pasta with tomatoes and caciocavallo cheese, and their sweet pizza with chocolate and cream is delicious.
MONTICELLI | Via Sant’Antonio Abate, 33
Monticelli is an award-winning restaurant located in Campobasso’s historical centre. The dining rooms have been dug out of the rock and once served as the city’s wine cellars.
Local favourites are artfully presented with a creative twist, like caciocavallo cheese soufflé and mountain soup with Capracotta lentils.
OSTERIA CANNAVINA | Via Vittorino Cannavina, 29
Osteria Cannavina is a delightful restaurant on a side street leading into Piazza Gabriele Pepe. The tables here are laid out under beautiful vaulted ceilings and, like at Monticelli, in beautiful rooms carved out of the rock.
Dishes are based on the seasons and regional traditions, with pasta and desserts strictly handmade.
Where to Stay
ANTICA DIMORA LA TERRAZZA | Via Guglielmo Marconi, 133
A modern B&B close to the charming Piazzetta Palombo offering modern, elegant rooms complete with air conditioning and minibar.
Some even have a little balcony overlooking one of the streets where the Mysteries parade passes in June. There’s also a suite with a mini jacuzzi pool.
IL PALAZZO VECCHIO | Via Sant’Antonio Abate, 32
Close to the winding stairways that lead up to Monforte Castle, this B&B occupies a palazzo that dates to the 1500s.
The generous-sized rooms boast fine carpets, antique furniture and lovely wooden beamed ceilings. The owner is the chef of the Monticelli restaurant.
PALAZZO CANNAVINA | Via Vittorino Cannavina, 24
This B&B is set in a splendid 500 year old palace where period details like the beautiful frescos and the original floors combine perfectly with unique modern art pieces.
The six guest rooms, named after chess pieces, are large and comfortable.
ART STUDIO SEI | Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 2
On the first floor of an historic building in Campobasso’s main piazza, Art Studio Sei is a beautiful B&B that doubles as a local fashion designer’s atelier.
The light-filled interiors host trendy architecture, custom furniture and modern art.
CENTRUM PALACE | Via Giambattista Vico, 2/A
For those who prefer regular hotels, Centrum offers 4-star lodging in a brand new structure just behind the train station, about a 10-minute walk to the town centre.
It also offers ample parking – perfect if you’re road-tripping around the region.
Don’t Miss
MONFORTE CASTLE
At the highest point of Campobasso, this castle is the town’s symbol and offers amazing views as far as the Maiella. On the way you’ll pass the ancient Church of San Giorgio and the Terzano Tower, which is linked to the story of the local Romeo and Juliet.
CHURCH OF SAINT ANTHONY THE ABBOT
The rather unassuming façade of this little church hides some of the region’s most important paintings and sculptures, including a statue of the saint dating to the 1500s. You’ll also find splendid wooden, golden altars.
GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION
In Campobasso the Good Friday procession features an incredible choir of seven hundred singers that accompany the statues of Jesus and Mary through the streets of the historical centre while performing the moving song Teco vorrei.
SAMNITE MUSEUM
Located on the stairway that leads up to the highest part of the old town, the Samnite Museum retraces the history of the Samnites in the province of Campobasso with a wealth of artifacts spanning from prehistory through to the Middle Ages, including the tomb of a knight with his horse.
STREET ART
Over the past few years, some of the town’s neighbourhoods have been revamped through street art with the help of renowned artists like Blu, Dado, and Vesod. As a result, you can now visit a gorgeous outdoor museum filled with beautiful, thought-provoking artworks.
Visiting in June? Discover the Festival of the Mysteries in Campobasso.
Featured photo © Val Nicastro