Agnone

Agnone is a picturesque mountain town in Molise, nestled among the rolling hills of Alto Molise and renowned for its ancient artisanal and cultural traditions. Known as the “city of bells,” Agnone is home to the Pontifical Marinelli Foundry, one of the oldest bell foundries in the world, active for over a thousand years. Even today, it produces bells for churches and cathedrals across the globe. A visit to the foundry and its Historical Bell Museum offers a unique journey through art, history, and spirituality. Walking through the historic center, visitors encounter medieval churches, Renaissance palaces, and cobblestone alleys that reflect the town’s noble past. Agnone also preserves deep-rooted religious traditions, most famously the ’Ndocciata, a spectacular torchlight procession held at Christmas, illuminating the town with fire and devotion. Surrounded by unspoiled landscapes of mountains and forests, Agnone blends culture, craftsmanship, and nature, offering an authentic experience in one of Italy’s lesser-known regions. For students and travelers alike, it is a living lesson in heritage, community, and identity.