MOLISE
A REGION WHICH YOU MIGHT THINK HAS NOTHING ... BUT IN FACT HAS
EVERYTHING
This is the first blog in my new series about the TRATTURI
These are an ancient network of shepherds paths which form a network across Southern Italy
I have set out on a voyage of discovery to visit all the towns and villages which run alongside the TRATTURO which runs from Celano to Foggia.
As I am formulating plans to walk the WHOLE THING in May 2017.
This is the route we plan to take.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1jwGn_SBeRiYXER3HyA897hqEtiI&ll=41.77742751193855%2C14.532195500000057&z=9
You can join us, and to find out more see www.forgetmenotmolise.com
Santa Croce di Magliano
A TOWN OF SUBSTANCE
with over 2000 inhabitants its main street, still bustles with life throughout the days as it has done for many, many hundreds of years.
The main route from Puglia it was once gated and housed a toll for many years.
FESTIVALS
Having visited the town earlier in the year for the festival of when it was full of cattle, and horses I could picture it in times past when the transumanza ran across its borders
THE PLAINS OF PUGLIA
It sits on a hill overlooking the plains of Puglia, where on a bright sunny morning like yesterday the view from the central piazza it was absolutely stupendous.
This photo or indeed any I am able to find including my own do not do it justice.
COME AND SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
HISTORY
I was taken on a guided tour of the town by local archaeologist and historian Pasquale Marino. A young man passionate about the history of Molise.
The town's origins can be traced back to 900 AD, although its roots run deeper into the depths of Italy.s complex formation.
There were orginally four towers and a wall encircling the town. Now only three towers remain, and virtually nothing of the orginal town walls.
As a richly woven tapestry
there are threads that can be traced to Albanian immigrants, the Normans, rich families of nobility and the Romans.
Santa Croce's intricately woven roots can be linked more intricately with the plaited cheeses made for the festival Santa Croce di Magliano, on the last Saturday of April to celebrate the Madonna dell' Incorona
STICKS and STONES
Many interesting tales from the town's past remain, including bloody battles, marauding brigands and phantoms of the towns long dead.
Santa Croce holds more in it's welcoming arms than incredibly beautiful views, an important chapter in the history of Molise.
It houses an impressive art collection of contemporary art, as well as a trail of wall murals scattered around the streets which add colour and intrigue.
As an art lover, I found the murals in Santa Croce fascinating and evocative. Having wandered many times looking at the street art in the city streets of Campobasso, and the village of Civitcampomarino, I was delighted to discover what Santa Croce has to offer those passionate about art and culture.
Street art in Santa Croce was set up as a memorial to local artist and sculptor
Antonio Giordano.
His daughter Mariano now coordinates the project overseeing it, and she is keen to protect its legacy.
ANIMALS IN ABUNDANCE
This unique little town has its feet firmly placed in the rich fertile soil of the lower Molise regionCattle, pigs sheep and goats are kept to produce milk for delicious cheeses, tasty hams and salamis.
The Transumanza.
FARM LIFE
The small family farms are all adept at juggling animal husbandry, Cheese making, olive oil, jams, and meat production.
Most are happy to welcome visitors and often run workshops in local crafts
Santa Croce di Magliano has so much to offer whether your interests lay in history, art, or nature.
If you want to know more or interested in visiting please contact me by phone, FACEBOOK or email
Penny Barron
molisematters@gmail.com
tel UK 0044 7867 419833
Italy 3280445925
