Exploring the Magical Benevento Countryside of Campania, Italy

When I first arrived in Guardia, Luigi Orso would pass me in his pickup truck as I was walking around, minding my own business, he'd motion for me to hop in and off we'd go to visit his friends in the countryside. I never knew where we were headed but it was always an adventure. On one such occasion he drove me to the Santa Lucia church in Sassinoro, a magical, sacred place along the Archangel Michael's lei line. I went back often seeking the serenity of nature and the Divine. I've since discovered other magical sites in the area which I put together in this guide. A portion of the proceeds and all tips from this guide will be donated to the Associazione "La Wardia Bbella" This guide offers an itinerary for a day or weekend trip, to discover hidden gems off the beaten path in the "mystical' Benevento countryside in Campania, Italy. This land, that predates Rome, is rich in tradition and legends of Witches. It also the birthplace of the 'Slow Food Movement'. Take this lovely excursion from Guardia Sanframondi to the Santa Lucia church built into a mystical cave in Sassinoro and on to the Ruins of Sepino without the crowds of Pompei. Stop along the way to take in the natural scenery and charming villages where you can taste local delicacies. "Alecia put together this lovely one-day drive through Campania for me and friends visiting from the States. It was absolutely perfect and full of hidden treasures and discoveries. Thanks so much Alecia for this wonderful itinerary, and your excellent recommendations. I simply can't imagine a more wonderful day’s drive of discovery, adventure and fun!" -Deborah

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It is best if you have your own access to a car for this trip. You can rent from the airports in Rome or Naples, or from Guardia, where you can hire a driver from Pasquale the proprietor at the Orso bar. You can also stay overnight there, or just stop by to have a drink and meet the locals. You will be treated like family.

My cozy 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is also available for short and long stays. for up to 4 people.

La tana dell'Orso Bed & Breakfast

www.bborso.com

Romantico Guardia Getaway

abnb.me

Guardia Sanframondi

Our trip begins in Guardia Sanframondi, a town in the Province of Benevento in the Campania region, a magical place I am lucky enough to call my home in Italy for half of the year. This 'Gem of the Sannio', is a picturesque hilltop village surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. A territory known for excellent Falanghina and Aglianco wines, rustic cuisine and genuine hospitality.

From Naples, it takes about an hour to drive to Guardia Sanframondi. For bus or train options; check out our Getaway to Guardia guide (under construction) for recommendations on transportation, accommodations, where to enjoy the local cuisine and wines, have coffee, an aperativo, places to see and things to do.

Guardia Sanframondi

@aleciacaine

Take a walk in the historical center, visit the UNESCO sites, have a glass of our famous wines in the bars and cafes. Most places are closed from 1pm to 4pm, except the Orso Bar. See our Guide to Guardia for more recommendations.

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La Tana dell'Orso Bed & Breakfast

@aleciacaine

Enjoy a cappuccino or aperativo at the Orso bar and you will be treated like family. Also a Bed & Breakfast.

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Sassinoro

Drive through lush nature and admire the unspoiled raw beauty as we head first toward Sassinoro to the Santa Lucia church, perched high on the hills over Sassinoro in a peaceful and tranquil setting. The church itself is built into a cave which was originally an ancient pagan worship site to the Goddess Demeter. The cave weeps blessed water, known for healing properties for the eyes.

Santuario di Santa Lucia

@aleciacaine

If you are staying nearby, consider Slow Traveling on the many hiking trails and historical pilgrimages from this point to nearby towns.

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From there we head back into Sassinoro, to shop for picnic supplies for later in the day.

Sassinoro

@aleciacaine

Before leaving town, buy some Cacchiarella, a rustic pizza made from corn flour, and saffron that grows in the local hills. You can find them at the local tobacco shop, Tabacchi & Fortuna at Via Roma, 46, 82026 Sassinoro BN, Italy

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Sepino, Molise

Our next stop is a wonderful family owned deli and restaurant, Prozzo Caseficio Macelleria - to taste the best buffalo mozzarella ever! and procure more picnic supplies before we then make our way to the Archeological Area of Altilia and the Sepino Ruins.

Ristorante Prozzo Caseificio

@aleciacaine

Try the gelato and/or cappuccino, both made with Bufallo milk. Then visit the store to pick up some delicacies to take home. Also offers overnight accommodations.

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The Archeological Area of Altilia and the Sepino Ruins was initially founded by the Samnites in the 4th-5th Century BC, as the settlement of Saepinum, it served as a center of commerce and trade at the intersection of traveling routes from Tratturo and Terravecchia. The remains of the village are surprisingly intact, and the paths / roadways of the principle design are easy to see.

Saepinum Archaeological Area

@aleciacaine

It is amazing to me that we were the only visitors, and had the place to ourselves as we imagined so many lifes and so many stories that had taken place on these grounds over the centuries. It was a fantastic place for our picnic lunch, and there is even a little bar there for any other items you may want to pick up.

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Cusano Mutri

From here, make your way back to Guardia, with two vibrant villages en-route home that represent la dolce vita that is the heart and soul of the Campania region.

Cusana Mutri, a hamlet located in the Matese Regional Park is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Explore the narrow passageways and enjoy breathtaking scenery.

Cusano Mutri

@aleciacaine

If you plan your visit during the fall you can enjoy the Mushroom Festival in Cusano Mutri https://www.italybyevents.com/en/mushrooms-and-chestnuts/

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La Taverna del Conte

@aleciacaine

Inside is a miniature rendition of Cusano Mutri built into the rock. Try one of their dishes featuring the local porcini mushrooms that grow wild in the surrounding forests.

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Antichi Sapori Di Tammaro Antonia

@aleciacaine

I usually stop here just before I leave town to enjoy a coffee and a pastry on the patio.

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Cerreto Sannita

The charming town of Cerrato Sannita is known for its highly decorative ceramics. Wander around the beautiful streets and have a drink in the piazza.

Cerreto Sannita

@aleciacaine

Visit the ceramics museum and ceramic studio of Piero Marcuccio, next door.

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Il Pozzo Dei Desideri Di Salvatore Grazia Maria

@aleciacaine

Uses only local organic ingredients for one of the best pizzas I've every tasted, If it's a nice evening, consider sitting outdoors on the sidewalk cafe but take a peak inside at the ancient wishing well. Save room for a home made desert.

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La Mozzarella D'Oro

@aleciacaine

On your way back to Guardia, make a quick stop at La Mozzarella D'Oro to pick up some bufallo mozzarella, fresh baked bread and cured meats for your next meal. The bufallo yoghurt is my favorite, so creamy!

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If you are staying in Guardia Sanframondi, check out my Guide to Guardia (under construction) for recommendations on transportation, accommodations, where to enjoy the local cuisine and wines, have coffee, an aperativo, places to see and things to do

Head over to Trip Consulting for a personalized trip designed just for you and your group.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alecia Caine - Sweet Life Italy

Available for hire

I discovered my passion for Italy as a young woman traveling thru the country where my grandmother grew up. I fell in love with the language, the food, the people and all things Italian. I guess you could say Italy is my soul mate. For my 50th birthday, after having raised two sons as a single mother, I bought myself an apartment in a medieval village in Southern Italy. My life changed and I created Sweet Life Italy, a boutique niche tour company to share my love of the Italian way of life, especially in the South, with its amazing scenery, down to earth food and the friendliest people on earth. I created Sweet Life Italy to inspire women to savor pleasure and rediscover their passions, awaken their senses and follow their dreams. I offer you the experience of discovering Italy through your senses, indulging in the tastes and textures that surround you.. Take time for time and attune to the local rhythm and energy of Italy while savoring the food, wines, music, art and beauty of Italy. Lounge in cafes, learn to make pasta by hand with the grandmothers, picnic amongst the grape vines on delicacies grown near the local villages. I am fortunate to enjoy very close relationships with the locals so I can offer travelers very unique experiences up close and personal, not like a tourist. I specialize in organizing your dream trip to Italy in the following locations: Naples, Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, Campania, Gaeta, Amalfi Coast, Ischia and Guardia Sanframondi including transportation, accommodations, guided tours, cooking classes with the nonnas, wine tasting, foodie, history, art, nature tours.

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