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| Regione Molise | |
|---|---|
| Name | Molise |
| Native name | Molise |
| Capital | Campobasso |
| Area km2 | 4460 |
| Population | 300000 |
| Established | 1963 |
| Provinces | Campobasso, Isernia |
| Languages | Italian, Neapolitan, Molisan dialects |
Regione Molise
Molise is a region in south-central Italy bordered by Abruzzo, Lazio, Campania, Apulia, and the Adriatic Sea. Campobasso serves as its regional capital and largest comune, while Isernia is the other provincial capital; the region was formed from part of Abruzzi e Molise in the 1960s. Molise contains a mix of Apennine Mountains, coastal plains, and river valleys, producing a landscape shaped by the Biferno River, Volturno River, and the Matese Mountains.
Molise occupies a portion of the Apennine Mountains chain with peaks such as Monte Miletto and Capraro. The region's coastline lies on the Adriatic Sea and includes beaches near Termoli and the Guglionesi area. Inland terrain features the Biferno Valley, the Volturno Valley, and the Trigno River basin; karst features and caves connect to the Frasassi Caves system by geological extension. Nature reserves and parks include portions of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Matese Regional Park, which protect habitats for species like the Apennine wolf and the Marsican brown bear.
Molise's territory was settled by Samnites and later incorporated into the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. Roman-era towns included Saepinum and Aufidena, and Roman roads linked the area to Beneventum and Luca. During the Middle Ages, Molise saw Lombard and Norman influence with castles built by the Normans and feudal lords such as the Counts of Molise. The region experienced events tied to the Kingdom of Naples and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies before becoming part of unified Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. Twentieth-century developments include administrative separation from Abruzzi e Molise under legislation passed by the Italian Parliament.
The regional administration is seated in Campobasso and is organized around a regional council elected under the Italian Constitution and regional statutes inspired by national electoral reforms. Local governance includes provincial administrations in Province of Campobasso and Province of Isernia, and municipalities such as Termoli, Venafro, Campomarino, and Guglionesi. National representation is through deputies and senators elected to the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. Political life in Molise has featured parties including Democratic Party (Italy), Forza Italia, Lega Nord, and the Five Star Movement, with coalitions contesting regional elections under the framework of Italian electoral law.
Agriculture remains important with products such as wheat, olive oil, wine from local vineyards like those in the Biferno DOC zone, and dairy production exemplified by cheeses like Pecorino di Molise. Small and medium-sized enterprises operate in sectors including metalworking, food processing, and textiles; industrial areas exist near Termoli and Campobasso. Tourism centered on coastal resorts like Termoli, mountain hiking in the Matese range, and cultural tourism to sites such as Venafro's Roman Forum contribute to service-sector employment. Regional development funds from the European Union and national investment programs target infrastructure, heritage preservation, and rural development.
Molise is among Italy's least populous regions with population centers concentrated in Campobasso, Isernia, and coastal towns like Termoli. Historical emigration waves sent residents to United States, Argentina, Canada, and Australia during the late 19th and 20th centuries; contemporary migration includes internal movement to Rome and Naples. The region's population structure shows aging demographics and low birth rates similar to trends observed in Italy overall, prompting policies addressing depopulation and incentives for repopulation and entrepreneurship.
Cultural heritage includes medieval architecture in towns such as Campobasso Castle, the Roman remnants at Saepinum, and churches like the Cathedral of Isernia and the Cathedral of Campobasso. Folk traditions feature festivals such as the Sagra delle Ovacere in Jelsi and religious processions tied to Easter and local patron saints; culinary specialties include cavatelli pasta, pasta alla molisana, and cured meats like capocollo. Museums and cultural institutions include the Museo Sannitico in Campobasso and archaeological sites such as Altilia. Coastal tourism draws visitors to Termoli's old town and castle, while eco-tourism attracts hikers on trails leading to Monte Miletto and visitors to Matese Lake.
Transport links include the A14 motorway corridor along the Adriatic, regional roads connecting Campobasso to Naples and Rome, and rail services on lines such as the Termoli–Venafro route linking to the national Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane network. Airports serving the region include the nearby Abruzzo Airport and regional access via Naples International Airport and Pescara International Airport. Ports at Termoli provide ferry connections across the Adriatic and facilities for fishing vessels; public transport is supplemented by regional bus services connecting rural communities, and investments have targeted road upgrades and rail modernization under national transport plans.