THE NIGHT OF FIRE

traditions / history / food and wine

(three days / two nights)

DAY 1 - ISERNIA

Arrival in Isernia and check-in at the hotel. Visit to the Museo Nazionale del Paleolitico, with an exhibit of the oldest human encampment in Europe - a must-see for those who want to discover the stages of human evolution through prehistoric tools and behaviour. We will discover the countless artefacts that have contributed to our knowledge of daily life habits, and we will know more about how the first camps of humans, who arrived in present-day Europe around 600,000 years ago, lived were organized.

We will continue with a tour of Isernia's historical centre, which, despite the devastating bombing of 10 September 1943, preserves the Cattedrale di San Pietro, which stands on a pagan temple dating back to the 3rd century B.C. The Church has undergone several modifications and embellishments over the centuries, including the last one, in 1700, with the precious marbles commissioned by Bishop Michelangelo La Peruta, together with a valuable majolica floor. Leaning against the façade of the Cathedral is the beautiful Arco di San Pietro, an ancient bell tower. Visit to the Cathedral and its excavations. Walking up the streets of the old city centre, we will get to Piazza Celestino V, known as Piazza Concezione, where we will find the magnificent and mysterious Fontana Fraterna, whose origin and original position are not known for certain. The afternoon will end with a walk through the pretty and characteristic Borgo del Merletto.

Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 - PIETRABBONDANTE - VASTOGIRARDI - AGNONE

Breakfast at the hotel and departure in a Gran Turismo coach for Pietrabbondante, a town in upper Molise, at 1,027 above the sea level, nestled between three enormous boulders known as 'morge' at the foot of Mount Saraceno. Guided tour of the marvellous Teatro Tempio Italico in Pietrabbondante. It preserves the most important archaeological evidence of Samnite religiosity in ancient Molise. The site, surrounded by unspoilt nature, immediately amazes with the uniqueness and importance of the archaeological remains of the temple and theatre, dating back to the late 2nd century BC.

The entire village is particularly beautiful. From the Church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta you can enjoy a magical and spectacular view of mountains, forests and valleys. We will then proceed to Vastogirardi, a small village in Upper Molise located 1,200 metres above sea level. The town is located in a landscape and environmental context rich in natural resources, beautiful species of flora and fauna, as well as boasting an artistic and historical cultural heritage of great interest. Among other things, we will visit the Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari.. 

Lunch in a trattoria with tasting of typical local products.

At the end of the lunch, transfer to Agnone, an ancient Samnite city, home to what is presumed to be the oldest bell-making factory in the world. We will take a guided tour of Fonderia Marinelli and its Museum. At sunset, we will witness the wonderful spectacle of the 'Ndocciata. As the bells toll, we will watch as hundreds of bearers light the 'ndocce and make their way along Agnone’s high street, which suddenly becomes an exciting river of fire. Those fortunate enough to have witnessed this spectacular and evocative procession of flames and sparks tell of a long, interminable emotion that is difficult to describe, unless experienced first-hand. 

Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 - VENAFRO

Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Venafro. Meeting with the guide and tour of the Castello Pandone. The castle was built on an original Samnite masonry that later became a Roman fortification. In 1498, it became a lordly residence thanks to Count Enrico Pandone, who succeeded his father Francesco. Inside the castle, light relief depictions of horses from the Count's stud farm are still visible, showing their age, breed, name, coat colour and the H symbol, i.e. Henricus' stud farm. At the end of the visit, we will stroll through the streets of the old town, accompanied by our guide, stopping at the Winterline Museum. Finally, a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts ranging from prehistoric to medieval times from the area of ancient Venafrum. 

Lunch in a trattoria with tasting of typical local products, and return home.

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION FEE FROM € 299.00 

PERIOD: DECEMBER