The Way of San Francesco Caracciolo is a project that re-evaluates the naturalistic realities and small depopulated villages of Central Italy, through a network organized between different regions in the footsteps of the last journey of San Francesco Caracciolo from Loreto to Naples. Molise represents one of the fundamental parts of the route. A slow and respectful walking path in the sign of a reconciliation between soul, nature, food and history.

The Way of San Francesco Caracciolo, promoted by the Caracciolini Friars together with the Lay Caracciolini Association and the Italian Chefs Federation, is a slow tourism initiative based on the idea of ​​retracing the last journey of San Francesco Caracciolo from Loreto to Naples. The 550 km long route involves four regions of central Italy (Marche, Abruzzo, Molise and Campania) and 70 different municipalities, characterized by unspoiled landscapes and authentic realities that invite the walker to a respectful and spiritual approach.

Molise is a very important part of the journey since the Saint, founder of the order of the Minor Regular Clerics in Naples, died in the small molisan center of Agnone. In particular, Francesco, returning from his pilgrimage to Loreto, died at the Convent of the Filippini in Agnone, as guest of the Congregation of the Oratory who had expressed an interest in joining his order.

The other Molise stops along the route, in addition to Agnone, are Pietrabbondante, Pescolanciano, Sessano del Molise, Carpinone, Castelpetroso, Cantalupo nel Sannio, San Massimo, Bojano, S. Polo Matese, Campochiaro and Guardiaregia. The walk offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of our areas and breathe the atmosphere of small towns, for example by crossing the natural reserve of Collemeluccio and the beechwood of Montecastelbarone or visiting the numerous churches of Agnone and the archaeological area of Pietrabbondante.

San Francesco Caracciolo is also the patron saint of cooks and the initiative consider this aspect by offering rich food and wine tours to the walker, who knows the places also through the flavors that characterize it. To this end, many local companies have been involved to offer their products, born in harmony and with respect for the surrounding area. The Pandolce Caracciolino and the Amaro San Francesco Caracciolo are two of the many delights that can be tasted.

Silvia Di Menna