L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 www.italoamericano.org 22 L'Italo-Americano the local archaeological site. However, it is probably its cathedral -- dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Pardo, that boasts a thirteen-ray rose window -- to be its most well known attraction. One of the best things about taking a vacation in Molise is that you can do so e v e r y t i m e o f t h e y e a r . I n d e e d , t h e r e g i o n h a s something to visit and enjoy i n e v e r y s e a s o n : C a m p i t e l l o M a t e s e i s popular with skiers during the winter and its slopes are perfect also for those who have little skiing experience o r w o u l d l i k e t o l e a r n . C a m p o m a r i n o , on the o t h e r h a n d , i s a p e r f e c t summer seaside resort, with endless beaches kissed by the blue and greens of the Adriatic. Is it too warm for s k i i n g a n d t o o c o l d f o r sunbathing? No worries, b e c a u s e y o u c a n a l w a y s enjoy bucolic, relaxing trips t o C a s t e l V i n c e n z o , a quaint village named after the lake upon which it looks, where lakeside beauty and a m i l d c l i m a t e w e l c o m e visitors all year round. But we'd be lying if we said that food, wine and heritage aren't among the main r easons that make M o l i s e s u c h a p e r f e c t holiday location. While the whole region is filled with traditional fairs, historical s p o t s a n d , o f c o u r s e , delicious food and wine, we should expressly mention t w o p l a c e s , R i c c i a a n d h a n d , i s k n o w n internationally for being the home of the P o n t i f i c i a Fonderia Marinelli, the foundry where, since the y e a r 1 0 0 0 , t h e m o s t important bells have been made. The Marinellli family has in fact produced some of the most iconic bells you can think of, including those of the Tower of Pisa, the Montecassino Abbey and , of course, those of Saint Peter's basilica in Rome. But their work is renowned across continents and you can even find their bells in the US! All epicureans out there are bound to enjoy Molise, because its food is, quite simply, to die for. From freshly made cavatelli, a type of fresh pasta often served with lamb sauce, to A g n o n e . E v e r y y e a r i n mid-September, Riccia is h o m e t o t h e F e s t a dell'Uva di Riccia, the ultimate harvest fair. On the s e c o n d S u n d a y o f t h e month, floats dedicated to the harvest parade in the streets, the people on board serving traditional food and w i n e t o p e o p l e a r o u n d t h e m : a t r u e , a u t h e n t i c f e s t a , t h e w a y o u r grandparents would have e n j o y e d i n t h e i r y o u t h ! A g n o n e , o n t h e o t h e r p a s t a e f a g i o l i ; f r o m c i c e r c h i a t a , s m a l l p u f f pastries balls, deep fried and covered in honey, to delicious caragnoli, round wafers filled with honey and nuts, everything you can e n j o y i n M o l i s e i s t r a d i t i o n a l a n d heartwarming. Festivals and old traditions are an important part of Molise culture (Photo: Luigi Bertello/Dreamstime) Continued from page 20 Bells produced at the Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli, in Agnone (Photo: Sergio Feola/Dreamstime) ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES In spite of its natural beauty and artistic interest, Molise is free from the large crowd of tourists you'd expect in other parts of Italy: now, this is quite important in this day and age, when social distancing is still compulsory and relaxing away from confusion is the ultimate goal

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