Molise, Administrative region in southeast-central Italy
Molise sits between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea with terrain spanning mountains, hills, and coastal strips across roughly 4,400 square kilometers (1,700 square miles). The two provinces of Campobasso and Isernia contain 136 municipalities with varied landscapes from high peaks to seashore.
The area became an independent region in 1963 when authorities divided the former territory of Abruzzi e Molise into two separate administrative entities. This division gave the smaller territory its own administrative identity after decades of shared governance.
The Festival dei Misteri in Campobasso brings religious theatrical performances to the streets with participants carrying illuminated mechanical structures. This procession transforms the city into a stage with moving scenes and crowds following along the route.
The provinces of Campobasso and Isernia link 136 municipalities through regional roads that allow travel between communities. The mountainous terrain means winding routes with frequent elevation changes on most journeys.
The Ndocciata celebration in Agnone features a parade of enormous wooden torches carried through the streets during December winter solstice festivities. Some torches reach several meters in height and require groups of carriers to maneuver them through narrow lanes.
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