The typical dishes of the Termolese culinary tradition are exceptional in their simplicity. At the base of the recipes there are ingredients such as fresh fish and genuine raw materials, typical of Mediterranean cuisine: tomato, basil, peppers, olive oil, onion, garlic and celery.

The Termolese style of cooking is a substantially popular cuisine, made of a few ingredients well combined with each other, with flavors and smells that prevail over the preparation of the dishes. Today we offer you the traditional recipe of the typical dish that drives tourists visiting Termoli crazy: u ’scescill.

U ’scescille, here is the secret of the Termolese recipe

The termolese meatballs are very reminiscent of the best known "cacio e ovo", but the peculiarity of our version lies in the cooking of the meatballs (not fried), in the shape (oval and not round) and in the sauce. This dish was once served as an accompaniment to fish soups, but given the wealth of ingredients, it can also be served as a single dish.

The ingredients for 12 “scescille” meatballs

A dozen meatballs can satisfy, depending on whether it is an appetizer or a single dish, for 2 to 4 people. You will need:

• 3 egg;
• 180 gr of pecorino cheese;
• 130 gr of stale breadcrumbs;
• parsley;
• onion;
• 250gr of tomato;
• peppers;
• salt;
• pepper;
• basil.

How to prepare an excellent "scescille"

The preparation of a scescille can be divided into three phases:

1. Start by preparing the sauce in which the meatballs will be cooked. In a large saucepan, put the oil without skimping on the quantities, cut the onion and let it fry until it has taken on a golden appearance. Add the tomatoes, peppers, salt and pepper, and cook for 30 minutes. The sauce must be "slow", ie not too thick, so if necessary add water during cooking;
   
   
2. While the sauce is cooking, prepare the dough for the meatballs. In a large enough bowl, beat the eggs and add the grated pecorino. Chop the stale breadcrumbs together with the parsley, pour it into the mixture and mix everything by adding a drizzle of oil.
   
   
3. When you have finished working the dough, form the "scescille", using both hands or with the help of a spoon, until they take an elongated shape. By wetting your hands you can prevent them from sticking together. Place the meatballs in the saucepan with the sauce and let them cook gently for 10-15 minutes, turning them gently from time to time. Be careful not to flake them!

At the end of cooking, leave them to rest for a few minutes and serve with plenty of sauce and a few leaves of basil. Enjoy your meal!

Molise is a land to be discovered, rich in natural beauty, art and traditions. The feeling you get from visiting it for the first time is a mixture of awe and wonder. Enchanting landscapes, unspoiled sites, ski resorts and natural reserves make this small region the ideal place to take a break from the chaos of the city. Today we offer you a selection of tourist-archaeological itineraries to be covered in one day by staying in Termoli.

The Roman amphitheater of Larino

Just go 30 km from Termoli to take a dip in the past and find yourself in the presence of the Roman amphitheater of Larino. Built between 80 and 150 ACZ it was traditionally intended for gladiator fights and hunting shows. The structure has the classic elliptical shape in the center of which the quadrangular pit is still visible in which the beasts entered the arena via a mobile platform. The four access doors to the arena are still intact: the North Gate (reserved for gladiators and the winning beasts), the South Gate (that of the defeated), the East Gate and the West Gate (reserved for the public entrance).

The peculiarity of the structure lies in its location: it was built in the middle of an already built urban context. To give space to this imposing structure, the whole urban layout was reorganized. But not only that: due to the difference in level of the terrain, the amphitheater was partly excavated, partly built upwards. It therefore appears as if it were a theater, but with a stone construction typical of the times. The remains of spas, fragments of columns, capitals, sculptures, inscriptions and sumptuous villas with mosaic floors have been found next to the amphitheater. Among the latter, three, are kept in the civic museum of the Palazzo Ducale in Larino and represent: a roaring lion, the legendary scene of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus and a naturalistic subject representing vine leaves.

The Samnite theater of Pietrabbondante

In the province of Isernia, about 80 km from Termoli, there is a monumental complex consisting of a theater, a temple and two arcaded buildings. The Pietrabbondante site represents an imposing testimony of the Samnite civilization, capable of projecting visitors into ancient atmospheres. We can thus imagine the religious rituals, which took place in the temple, and the heated disputes of the senators, which took place in the theater. Just the theater, in our times, is the splendid setting for an important international event: the Sannita Teatro Festival, an absolutely unmissable summer event.

The poet Sappho describes the site of Pietrabbondante as "a place of the mind and soul (...) in this holy temple, where there is a lovely wood of apple trees, and burning altars of the scent of incense. Here fresh the water resounds among the branches of the apple trees, and the roses give shade all around ".

The ancient Roman city of Altilia

The archaeological site of Altilia, which is about 94 km from Termoli, is an essential destination for lovers of ancient history. Also known as "little Pompeii", it was an ancient Roman administrative center. Thanks to its strategic position (Apulia to the south, Sannio Pedro to the north, the Adriatic coast to the east and the Tyrrhenian coast to the west) it lent itself well to the control of ancient merchant roads. Access to the archaeological area is possible through four "doors": Porta Boiano, Porta Tammaro, Porta Terravecchia and Porta Benevento.

To delimit the site, a wall built with limestone from the Matese, which encloses an area of 12 hectares with a quadrangular plan. Entering this ancient Roman town (it dates back to the first century after Christ), you come across the ancient theater where the first two sectors of the tiers and the orchestra are still intact. In the summer it often hosts particularly suggestive and exciting theatrical performances. Walking through the ancient center, you immerse yourself in what was once the center of the economic and relational life of Altilia: the macellum (food market), the basilica, the square of the forum with honorary monuments and public buildings, the fountains (particularly striking the Grifo one) and the thermal baths.

Traces of daily life still remain in the ancient residential area: the oil mill, the dry cleaners, the mill, the hydraulic drains of the houses and the drains. In 2010 Altilia obtained the precious "International Blue Shield" award, which takes its name from the symbol indicated in the Hague Convention for the protection of cultural heritage.

National Paleolithic Museum of Isernia

We still move 100 km from Termoli where, in the territory of Isernia, there is one of the main prehistoric archaeological sites worldwide. The museum is located around the archaeological area "La Pineta" where, in the 70s, the remains of ancient Palaeolithic deposits were found, which today allow us to have a clear picture of what habits, lifestyle and camps where the oldest man in Europe lived: homo aeserniensis (homo erectus).

The numerous bone finds found testify that between 700,000 and 500,000 years ago the plain of Isernia was already inhabited by our ancestors. But even more surprisingly, that of Isernia can be considered the first human population in Europe. A discovery so extraordinary as to attract the attention of the scientific world: the American magazine Nature dedicated the cover to the Molise discovery.

The National Paleolithic Museum of Isernia is composed of an exhibition hall and an educational pavilion. In the first there is a large number of restored original finds, bone remains of bison, elephants, rhinos, hippos and bears. The didactic pavilion, on the other hand, consists of a series of itineraries that illustrate the most important stages of human evolution. Among the archaeological sites worth visiting, we also recommend: the castle of Gerione in Casacalenda (42 km from Termoli), the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Canneto in Roccavivara (56 km) and the Abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno (132 km) . But Molise still offers many surprises, you just have to come and discover them!

Per info:
Molise Region
Department of Tourism
Via Milano 15 - 86100 Campobasso
Tel 0874 437821/ 437806
Pec: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The September sea offers countless advantages: the beaches are less crowded, the more pleasant temperatures, the heat and the heat typical of the full summer give way to a mild climate and a pleasant breeze. For those who are looking for pure relaxation from a holiday, September is definitely the most suitable month to choose to leave.

Are you not convinced? Let's find out the 5 reasons to go on vacation in the low season

1 - Relaxation guaranteed

Traffic, confusion and files everywhere (at the bar, at the restaurant) bother you? Well, you won't find them in September. Forget them! In all seaside resorts such as Termoli, September rhymes with relaxation and peace: our beaches are less crowded, children will be free to play and let off steam their imagination on the sand and parents can finally enjoy the sun or have a drink on the shore to the sea, in complete tranquility. Our hotel has an equipped beach and offers customers a play area dedicated to the little ones, to the delight of mom and dad.

2 - Pleasant temperatures

The heat and Caribbean temperatures, which not everyone can bear, give way to the September breeze and a mild and pleasant climate. September is therefore the ideal month for long walks without risking insolation. The seafront of Termoli offers exceptional views, honored by numerous national magazines: the ancient village overlooking the sea looking south, the Majella in the north-west and the Tremiti islands in the north-east, perfectly visible when the sky is clear and clear of clouds.

3 - Lower prices

Going on vacation in September is cheaper than in August and, especially for those with a family, it is a big advantage. Why not take advantage of it then?

4 - Excursion to the Tremiti Islands without crowds

Termoli has the great advantage of offering connections to the Tremiti Islands active all year round. July and August are almost prohibitive months to visit them and it is always better to book well in advance, especially on weekends. In September, however, the tourist flows decrease significantly and you can choose to visit the Tremiti even at the last minute. For those who are not very familiar with high water, it is possible to stop on the only beach on the island of San Domino, super crowded in high season. Speaking of the Tremiti Islands, the Meridiano hotel offers its customers the opportunity to purchase tickets for boarding directly at the reception, without having to go to the port in advance

5 - Crystal clear sea

The September sea has unique colors, the water is fresh and on average more transparent than in August, so as to make it difficult to identify the border between sky and sea. When the wind is calm and only a pleasant breeze blows, you are faced with an enchanting spectacle.

There are just a few hours left for the feast most awaited by the people of Termoli: from 3 to 5 August the city is in turmoil for the celebrations in honor of San Basso, patron of Termoli.

The origins of this tradition date back to the distant 1791, the year in which, during the restoration work in the Cathedral, a sarcophagus was found containing the relics of the Saint. The celebrations begin with the usual procession to the sea on August 3, when the coastal fishing boats welcome thousands of devotees and curious on a short "cruise", offering guests tasty appetizers, in a festive atmosphere. The procession recalls the discovery of the sarcophagus containing the relics of the saint at sea, by local fishermen. It is in fact a tradition deeply felt by fish operators and their families.

Beyond the legend, history takes us even further back in the centuries, up to 1200 AD. when, due to the Saracen invasions, the bishop of that time hid the remains of the saint in the crypt of the Cathedral, renamed "Grotticella di San Basso" to prevent them from being sacked by the barbarians. This is how every year, on August 3, the statue of San Basso leaves the Cathedral to be carried on the shoulder to the port and embarked on a fishing boat, drawn by lot in the previous days. Bringing the saint by boat is the desire of every Termolese sailor: San Basso is in fact considered the protector of fishing. The boat drawn for the occasion is festively decorated and sails from the pier followed by dozens of boats. The procession runs through the strategic points of termoli: Rio vivo, Sant'Antonio and, once offshore, a wreath of flowers is thrown into the water as a tribute to the Saint. The procession returns to the port after the suggestive sound of the sirens of all the fishing boats present at the procession. During the night the statue is left at the Fish Market, a place chosen in honor and in homage to the fishermen.

In the afternoon of August 4, the statue is brought back to the Cathedral and at midnight the second phase of the celebrations begins, with a fireworks display financed by the donations of the devoted fishermen. The fireworks, which attract tens of thousands of visitors to the city, illuminate the waters and skies of the port and beach of Rio Vivo, to the south. Here the tradition of bonfires on the beach has been alive for years, where local young people organize real dance parties that last until dawn. Every self-respecting Termolese, you can swear to us, feels the tradition and devotion to San Basso alive. Between legend and superstition, no Termolese ventures into the water on the day of the procession: "star-shaped" (as indicated in the maritime tradition on August 3), they tell you since childhood, you do not swim in the sea because it is very strong the risk of drowning.

The party ends on August 5, the day on which the performance of well-known singers or musical groups is expected, usually in the port square. If you've never been to Termoli for the three days dedicated to the patron saint, it's time to make up for it. You will not regret it!

It is the penultimate region of Italy in size, but it is rich in tasty and genuine typical products. We still talk about Molise and its centuries-old agricultural tradition which bases its enormous food and wine heritage on the production of simple food and raw materials.

Agnone's Caciocavallo

Fresh from the best Italian pasta filata cheese award, during the recent Italian Cheese Award 2019, the Agnese caciocavallo is a first choice appreciated all over the world. The recent recognition is a source of pride for the whole of Molise, which leaps to the top of the rankings, even surpassing Campania. It is a pasta filata cheese produced with 100% cow's milk, strictly local. It has a hard rind on the outside, of a color that varies from straw yellow to brown, depending on the degree of seasoning. Its origins are very ancient, it has been produced since the times of Magna Grecia. The particularity lies in the seasoning that takes place inside natural caves, after 20 days of maturation. The taste is delicate, but spicy lovers are delighted by the more seasoned caciocavallo, which acquires a more intense and sparkling taste.

The Pampanella of San Martino

Typical dish of San Martino in Pensilis (Cb), pampanella is found only in Molise. Its name derives from pàmpino, that is the leaf in which the meat was once wrapped before slow cooking. It is in fact pork spiced with garlic and chilli pepper and cooked in the oven, then seasoned with vinegar. The peculiarity of its processing lies precisely in the cooking: in the phase prior to the baking, the meat is covered with wet straw paper. Procedure that gives it an unmistakable softness and enhances its flavor. According to tradition, it was prepared only for local festivals: the chariot race on 30 April in honor of San Leo and the annual fair on 30 August. Currently, it is possible to taste pampanella all year round, thanks to the skill of the few local producers, who keep the traditional recipe unchanged.

La Pezzata

In a region with a strong pastoral vocation, la Pezzata represents one of the typical dishes in many villages. It is a dish made of boiled sheep meat, which requires a long cooking. If sheep meat usually has a very hard consistency and a decidedly intense flavor, it is precisely the many hours of cooking that make it soft and delicate for the palate. The secret? It should be cooked, according to tradition, in a copper container and flavored with vegetables, potatoes and various spices.

The Scarpelle

Also known with the dialectal name screpell, the scent of fried scarpelle marks the beginning of the Christmas holidays. They are made of a batter made from water, flour and beer yeast, fried in plenty of oil. They can be savored in the sweet version, if sprinkled with sugar, or salted. Those who prefer the second version often accompany them with marinated anchovies, cod or cauliflower. A simple dish, like the rest of Molise's gastronomy, but incredibly tasty, which brings together young and old. The scarpelle have been included in the list of traditional PAT brand food products.

The Torcinelli

Lovers of strong and decisive flavors will certainly appreciate this dish. The torcinelli are made with lamb waste, which otherwise would be thrown away: liver, tripe and entrails, carefully cleaned and inserted into the casing. They keep up the tradition, typical of southern Italy, to never throw food away. And what would we lose if we did! The traditional recipe wants them cooked on the grill but many also appreciate them stewed.

Ventricina

The ventricina of Montenero di Bisaccia (Cb) is an excellence of the Molise delicatessen, now also exported outside the regional borders. Made only with lean meat of pigs raised on the Molise territory. Its bright color comes from the dressing with paprika, salt and wild fennel, which need at least 24 hours to flavor the meat, before it is stuffed into the pig's bladder. Seasoning must never last less than a year and a half. The result? A spicy flavor at the right point and a real delight for the taste buds.

The Molise Composta

A fruit and vegetable preserve can seem singular, right? Yet it represents a gem of the Molise food and wine tradition. The composta is prepared with pears, eggs, tomatoes, carrots, peppers and onions, which are put in a terracotta pot and left to macerate for at least a month. A truly surprising taste ... try it!

The Tortarelli

A melon that looks like a vegetable: in Molise there is also this. Tortarelli are melons which, however, resemble cucumbers in shape, color and flavor. They are mainly enjoyed in salads and besides being tasty, they are also very digestible.

The Pietracatella cheese

Produced in the small town of Pietracatella, it preserves its origins intact in its preparation. The maturation takes place inside the mogie, tufa caves typical of the Molise country. It has a wrinkled and yellowish rind and inside it has a very soft and moist paste. It can be eaten mainly as an appetizer or accompanied by vegetables.

The Treccia of Santa Croce

It is not a simple cheese, but a real work of art. It is a semi-hard pasta filata cheese produced with cow's milk. During the preparation, this pasta is cut into strips and spun with boiling water. Subsequently, the threads obtained are firmed first in cold water and then in salted water. At this point, they reach the right consistency to be worked and are then placed on a cotton cloth to form a braid. Typical cheese of the feasts of Our Lady of the Crown and of the Patron Saint James, during the celebrations the treccia is carried on the shoulder by the shepherds, as if it were a bag.

The Molise Truffle

Molise is one of the major national truffle producers: in fact, it boasts 40% of the Italian production of the prized white truffle. The Isernian hinterland - mainly the territories around Carovilli, San Pietro Avellana, Capracotta and Boiano - is rich in this precious product. The search for the truffle requires patience and devotion but, once discovered, you have the feeling of having found a treasure. A bit like what happens to those who discover our small region?

Have you not yet chosen the destination for your holidays and are you looking for suggestions? If you love the sea, good food, art and you are looking for a quiet location suitable for families and children, Termoli is for you. We explain why, giving you 7 good reasons to come here on vacation. What to see in Termoli

1 - The ancient village of Termoli: a wonder that deserves to be visited

The ancient village is certainly the most fascinating part of the entire town, with its breathtaking views and its unmistakable scent of the sea. The natives know it as the "Paese Vecchio" and is considered an almost obligatory stop by the inhabitants of neighboring countries and neighboring regions, who populate the city on the weekend, especially in spring and summer. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when Termoli was a small fishing village, from the borders that corresponded precisely with the current historic center. It looks like a promontory overlooking the sea, surrounded by the ancient city walls that served to protect the city from foreign incursions from the sea. This characteristic led Corriere della Sera to crown the Adriatic town as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

2 - The Svevian Castle, which dominates the city and is admired from afar

The Castle is the symbol of the city and is the first thing you see when you arrive in Termoli from the north. Its architectural features suggest that it was built in the Norman era. Following an attack by the Venetian fleet, the Castle suffered several damages and was restored and fortified by Frederick II of Svevia, hence the Svevian nane. It overlooks the entire village and was the centerpiece of the city's defensive system, along with the walls that surrounded the entire city and the crenellated turrets. In fact, it is believed that the Castle itself was only the largest in a series of watchtowers that surrounded the seaside village. Currently we can only admire another one, which has remained intact, at the southern entrance of the ancient village. The others, at least two, have been lost over the centuries. Currently on the top of the Svevian Castle there is the air force weather station, while the old "dungeons" often act as locations for art exhibitions and are open to visits by tourists and onlookers. The Castle is also one of the most sought after settings for civil weddings.

3 - The Cathedral, half Gothic, half Roman

In the heart of the ancient village, at the highest point of the city, the Cathedral was erected, presumably between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. A building of rare beauty, which opens onto a square much loved by the people of Termoli and those who come from outside. The Cathedral of Termoli underwent some changes following the earthquake of 1464, which are found in the different architectural style of the facade: the lower part has preserved the original Apulian Romanesque style, the upper part is in Gothic style. A feature that makes it unique and that enchants lovers of sacred art. Inside there are the remains of the patron saint of the city, San Basso. Only recently, between the basement of the church and the adjacent Episcopio, has the new entrance to the Hypogeum been inaugurated, which houses historical finds and leads, through a suggestive route, to the cemeterial area of the Basilica-Cathedral.

4 - The narrowest alley in Italy is in Termoli

"Rejecelle" is its name in Termolese. It is the narrowest alley in Italy, but some claim it is the narrowest in Europe. It is hidden among the narrow streets of the historic center, in an area accessible only to pedestrians. It is a narrow road created as a tunnel between two houses and at its narrowest point, think, only 34 cm!

5 - Trabucco, an ancient fishing system

Ancient construction used by fishermen, the trabucco looks like a wooden stilt house, connected to the mainland through a walkway. The two wooden arms that extend over the water hold a rectangular net that is lowered into the water through a winch. Curiosity: do not call it "trabocco" in the presence of a person from Termoli, because this would open a long dissertation between Molise and Abruzzo. In fact, it is not possible to establish who invented this particular wooden structure, still used today for fishing. We certainly know that, in addition to Termoli, you can admire the trabucchi (or trabocchi) along the Adriatic coast, from Abruzzo to Puglia.

6 - The fine sandy beaches and the crystal clear sea

At the foot of the Castle there is a green area with a balcony overlooking the sea. From here it is possible to enjoy splendid views and admire wonderful sunsets. For this reason, Beledere of the photographers has been renamed. The souvenir photo of a holiday in Termoli, can only be taken here, with the North promenade and its crystal clear waters behind it! With clear skies, in the absence of mist, from here you can admire the Majella. Looking out from here, we are sure that you will be tempted to take a walk on the beach immediately. We have a beach made of fine sand, crystal clear water and a shallow seabed. Characteristics that make Termoli the perfect seaside destination for families with children.

7 - Good food and seafood dishes

Like all seaside villages, the typical Termolese dishes are based on fish. We celebrate brodetto, a fish soup that recalls Genoese caciucco, while retaining a unique taste. Termoli is a destination also known by lovers of good food and is populated by small restaurants that offer breathtaking views. Seeing is believing.