Bojano

A peaceful town at the foot of the Matese mountains, once the capital of the Samnite Pentri tribe. It serves as a gateway to the Matese Regional Park and is dotted with medieval and Baroque architecture.

Things to do

• Explore Matese Regional Park — Hike or bike through beech forests and limestone peaks just above town.
• Visit the Cathedral — The Baroque cathedral holds an important Byzantine icon of the Madonna.
• See Castello Pandone ruins — Climb to the medieval castle ruins for panoramic valley views.
• Swim in Matese Lake — Lake Matese nearby offers swimming and boating in warm months.
• Attend local feast days — Summer patronal festivals fill the streets with music and fireworks.

Food to try

• Zuppa di fagioli e cicoria — Hearty soup of local beans and wild chicory, a cucina povera classic.
• Soppressata molisana — Air-dried salami with a peppery bite, best sliced thin on local bread.
• Cavatelli con ricotta — Fresh pasta tossed with creamy local sheep's milk ricotta and basil.
• Pecorino del Matese — Aged sheep's milk cheese from Matese pastures with a sharp, nutty flavor.

Local customs & good to know

• Park entry rules — Some Matese Park trails require permits; check locally before hiking.
• Slow travel pace — Bojano is very quiet; most shops close 1–4 pm for the long Italian lunch break.
• Respect local shrines — Roadside Madonna shrines are actively venerated; treat them with reverence.