capracotta It is a small town, with less than nine hundred inhabitants, in the province of Isernia in Molise, which however offers unique emotions for those who love the most diverse sporting activities, such as cross-country skiing during the winter, or mountain bike and trekking in the summer. We're in the heart of the Molise Apennines, and in this area, you're spoiled for choice with over one hundred kilometers of mapped trails.
Index of topics
Origins of the name
The origin of such a unique name as Capracotta is highly controversial. The most widely accepted explanation for years has linked the name to goats, which are the true masters of the land here. Legend has it that some gypsies, wanting to found their town in this area, offered a sacrifice to their deity. A goat set on fire. But the animal managed to escape the pyre and took refuge in the mountains, where it died, exactly where Capracotta was later founded. A more recent explanation, however, excludes any connection with goats and suggests the name derives from the Latin castra cocta, a military camp protected by a agger coctus, a brick wall.
Get inspired
Just three kilometers from the center of Capracotta lies the Prato Gentile plateau, with its beautiful trails, amidst fir and beech forests, at an altitude of 1.573 kilometers. The next stop on this short journey of sport and nature is along the winding course of the Verrino stream, up to the Verrino waterfall. A route where the most thrilling and intense sporting activity is canyoning, descending through streams and small waterfalls, alternating between walk with dives and rope descents.
The village of Capracotta
Wandering through the historic center of Capracotta, you'll be struck by the village's natural elegance, inspired by sustainable architecture: the stone walls are adorned with flowerpots placed on upturned chairs, and every house displays a variety of fragrant flowers. A stroll through the unique atmosphere will stun you, and take the time to stop in a few small local shops, where ancient artisanal works are crafted. Such as the handmade ceramics by master Leo Giuliano ([email protected]). But Capracotta becomes “the snow queen,” the nickname by which it is known throughout the world of winter sports, especially cross-country skiing, as soon as you reach Prato Gentile.
The cross-country ski slopes
The area offers approximately 15 kilometres of cross-country ski trails (no less than 4 metres wide), which become cross-country ski trails during the summer. trekkingThere are three trails: one for tourists, and two for competition, one uphill and one downhill. On the uphill trail, on the northern slope of Monte Campo, thanks to its unique exposure, snow remains until April. The most beautiful trail is the "Mario Di Nucci," named after the most famous cross-country skier in Capracotta's history.
The champion of the area
Mario Di Nucci is Molise's most popular winter sports athlete. Born in 1918, he joined the Fiamme Gialle (Fiamme Gialle) at the age of twenty, competing in various championships in Italy and abroad, racking up a string of successes, interrupted only by the tragic interruption of World War II. But Di Nucci's fame also stems from another factor: for several years, he served as ski instructor to the House of Savoy, and specifically to Prince Umberto.
Canyoning
From Prato Gentile Mountain, those seeking an adventurous experience should follow the Verrino River, which originates in the municipality of Capracotta and then flows through five towns: Agnone, Castel Verrino, Poggio Sannita, Pietrabbondante, and Civitanova del Sannio. The waterfalls and cascades, some inaccessible, stretch for several kilometers, with drops of up to 300 meters. Accompanied by a guide, equipped with a wetsuit and climbing rope, you can follow the river's course while canyoning, culminating in an acrobatic dive into the icy waters of the falls.
The Verrino River
Along the Verrino River, and through its cascades and waterfalls, you'll be accompanied by a dazzling array of colors, majestic trees such as black alder, white willow, poplar, and oak. Brown trout and barbel roam the stream's waters.
Information
- For information on the village of Capracotta:
- For information on Prato Gentile and cross-country skiing:
- For trekking and canyoning activities:
How to Get There
Capracotta can be reached by car.
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From Rome
A1 S. Vittore exit: Venafro – Isernia – Fondovalle Trigno direction Vasto – Pescolanciano exit – Capracotta
A25 Pratola Peligna exit: Roccaraso – Castel di Sangro – S. Pietro Avellana – Capracotta
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From Pescara
A14 Val di Sangro exit: Sangro Valley towards Castel di Sangro. Rosello – Capracotta exit.
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From Bari
A14 motorway, Vasto Sud exit: Trigno Valley towards Isernia. Pescolanciano – Capracotta exit.
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From Naples
A1 Caianello exit: Venafro – Isernia – Fondovalle Trigno direction Vasto – Pescolanciano exit – Capracotta
And you can get there by plane.
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From Rome
From Fiumicino Airport, continue on the A1, exit S. Vittore: Venafro – Isernia – Fondovalle Trigno towards Vasto – exit Pescolanciano – Capracotta
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From Pescara
From Pescara Airport, continue on the A14 motorway, exit at Val di Sangro. Follow the signs for Fondovalle Sangro towards Castel di Sangro. Exit at Rosello – Capracotta.
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From Bari
From Bari Airport, take the A14 motorway and exit at Vasto Sud. Follow the Fondovalle Trigno towards Isernia. Exit at Pescolanciano – Capracotta.
Photo credits cover image: Civico32studio
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