Shopping Tourism in Molise

The Molise region, a no man’s land of enigmatic beauty, is a treasure chest of nature and culture, brimming with mountains, hills, valleys and villages to explore. When walking along its sheep tracks, paths and lanes, the signs left by ancient peoples are clear to see. In ancient times, Molise was inhabited by the Samnites and Romans, and their legacy is still apparent in many places. In Molise, this history lives on in the ancient practices and wisdom of traditional local products and artistic craftsmanship, offering visitors the sensation of purchasing an authentic piece of history in the form of flavours and handicrafts. Outstanding products, dairy goods and cheeses like ricotta, manteca and scamorza tell the centuries-old story of moving livestock from and to the high lands and low pastures, while sausages and salamis speak of the rural civilisation that has refined their shapes and flavours over time, and the aroma of the prized white truffle (of which Molise contributes an estimated 40% of worldwide production) testifies to an area of unspoiled and generous nature. The pride of an ancient people is resurfaces in the forging of scissors and knives, the mighty strength of the molten bronze of bells and the ancestral sound of bagpipes, while their gentle delicacy lives on in the grace of bobbin lace and the fine work of perforated steel.

1. Agnone (IS) - Bells. The Pontificia Fonderia Marinelli foundry, specialising in manufacture of bells, has a history spanning a thousand years. A guided tour of the historical bell museum is a unique experience that culminates with shopping in the adjoining area.
2. Agnone (IS) - Dairy products and cheeses. The Di Nucci family is the custodian of a heritage of techniques and practices which it continues to implement in its dairy production today. The family welcomes visitors every day to their cheese factory and adjoining museum of cheesemaking art and seasonal livestock driving. In addition to dairy products, when strolling through the historical centre of Agnone you can also purchase traditional local cakes, sugared almonds, sausages and copper items.
3. Frosolone (IS) - Knives, scissors and perforated steel. The Museo dei ferri taglienti (museum of cutting tools) tells the story of Frosolone's centuries-old tradition of forging scissors and knives, still available to buy in the shops in the old town, thus continuing Campobasso's tradition of fine forged steel.
4. Isernia - Bobbin lace. The art of bobbin lace-making, introduced in the 15th century by the Spanish nuns of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Monache, has been handed down in Isernia. A room in the civic museum houses some valuable antique pieces. These light, sophisticated lace items can be purchased in shops in the old town.
5. Scapoli (IS) - Bagpipes. Scapoli is famous as the ‘bagpipe capital’ of the world, also thanks to the international festival held there at the end of July. Indeed, it is one of the few towns in Italy where the tradition of making these ancient musical instruments, available to buy in craft workshops, still survives. A visit to the international bagpipe museum is a real world tour.

1. Museo delle campane Marinelli
2. Musei di Frosolone
3. Caseificio Di Nucci
4. Museo della zampogna di Scapoli
5. Museo Civico della memoria e della storia di Isernia