Holiday apartment in Isernia – Archaeology, Culture and Mountains

Culture

Isernia La Pineta is an archaeological site from the Palaeolithic period dating back approximately 700,000 years. The site has yielded the fossil of a child dated to 583,000 years ago, which presumably belonged to the species Homo heidelbergensis. The excavations reveal several phases of settlement; at the same time, the site is rich in worked stone tools.

The Santa Maria delle Monache complex houses an exhibition of finds from Isernia La Pineta as well as an archaeological museum. In the Cathedral of San Pietro Apostolo, the church stands on the remains of an ancient Italic sanctuary dating from the 3rd century BC. The Museo civico della Storia e della Memoria displays lace-making tools, yarns, drawings and finished works, including household linens, lingerie and jewellery. The museum is divided into three sections.

The immediate surroundings of Isernia are also home to the Museo Nazionale del Paleolitico, a museum, Arte 90 Di Maglione Elena, a museum, the Saint Francesco Palace, a palace, and the Museo di Santa Maria delle Monache, a museum.

History

The early medieval Santa Maria delle Monache complex was built around the year 1000; the adjoining church of dell'Assunta, with its mighty bell tower, dates from the 7th century. The old bell tower, commonly called Arco di San Pietro, has a large pointed-arch passageway through which the Corso runs.

The Fontana Fraterna is a public fountain and is considered a landmark of Isernia. It has six water spouts and an unusual, loggia-like form. The characteristic Fiera delle Cipolle is part of the local tradition: it is connected with the feast of Saints Peter and Paul and traditionally focuses on onions and garlic. The Fiera has been held annually in Isernia since at least the 15th century.

Nature

Isernia lies in a valley between the Monti delle Mainarde to the northwest and the Matese mountain range to the southeast. The immediate surroundings of Isernia include Colle Conocchiola, a mountain, and La Romana, a mountain. The area around Isernia also includes Colle Pietrereie, a mountain, and Monte Cilara, a mountain.

Isernia and the province of Isernia are described as destinations for visitors who are particularly interested in trekking and nature. Along the route of the Ferrovia dei Parchi, there are stops for guided tours as well as excursions on foot or by bicycle.

Getting there

Isernia railway station offers assistance for people with disabilities and reduced mobility.

Other local pages

Isernia, Capracotta, Rionero Sannitico, Agnone, Forlì Del Sannio, Castelpetroso, Colli A Volturno, Pescopennataro, Frosolone, Incoronata, Venafro, Carovilli, Pesche, Bagnoli Del Trigno, Macchiagodena, Chiauci, Pietrabbondante, Pizzone, Civitanova del Sannio, Sant'Anna, Roccamandolfi, Miranda, Rocchetta Alta, Vastogirardi, Roccaravindola, Filignano, Pescolanciano, Castel del Giudice, Sant'Agapito, Macchia d'Isernia, Roccasicura, Santa Maria del Molise, Castel San Vincenzo, Conca Casale, Sesto Campano, San Pietro Avellana, Pagliaia di Cerro

For the higher-level travel overview: Molise.