Molise is a region of South Central Italy, the second smallest of the regions. It was formerly (until 1963) part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise (with Abruzzo) and now a separate entity.
Some observers have said that the province is de-populated, but for that very reason it has a charm and an authenticity that has been diluted in other parts of Italy. The landscape consists of broad plains sloping towards the Adriatic. As you move inland the terrain features rolling hills. In the north of the province there are the highlands. The farmland is very rich and the province is distinguished by an almost complete absence of fences of any type.
Many of the towns in the interior have been almost abandoned as young people travel to the larger centres to find employment.
There is a particularly rich cluster of communities in the Larino area. These are the characteristic medieval hilltowns formed around a church, or - as in the case of Larino - a massive cathedral.
Molise is divided into two provinces: Campobasso e Isernia.
