n Molise there are places capable of combining the pleasure of walking in nature with the discovery of history and the beauty of landscapes. One of these is Gerione, in the territory of Casacalenda, also perfect for astrotourism enthusiasts.
Perched on top of a hill, as the Samnites often did (particularly the Frentani, given its proximity to the sea), Gerione dominated the Biferno valley, the low-Molisan hills and its gaze reached as far as the Adriatic Sea.
Its history is rooted in the 4th century B.C., when the settlement of Gereonium was built using large stones cemented with clay. The first important historical event dates back to 217 B.C.: on the eve of the Battle of Cannae, Hannibal conquered Gereonium, exterminating its inhabitants and turning it into a food depot.
Under Roman rule, the importance of the site declined, but with the arrival of the Lombards in the Middle Ages, Jerion came back to life. The Normans later destroyed it with fire, and then rebuilt it, equipping it with new structures, including a defense tower (donjon) and a stately palace.
The city grew to such an extent that it expanded beyond the walls, building a church dedicated to Mary and an adjoining cemetery. Under Frederick II, Jerion reached maximum expansion: the walls were expanded to include the church, and the palace was enriched with a new tower to the north.
The decline began with the devastating Black Death around 1350, aggravated by the disastrous earthquake of 1349, which marked the final abandonment of the site.
Today, Gerione is also a wonderful hiking destination. To reach it, simply exit Casacalenda in the direction of Larino: at km 3.187 take a road on the right that descends gently to a junction marked by a “Gerione” sign. From here continue on foot following the marked path.
After an initial uphill stretch, the trail becomes easy and offers spectacular views of Morrone del Sannio, Lake Guardialfiera and the Adriatic Sea. At the top, among the archaeological remains, the countryside and the small villages that dot the horizon, you can pause for a long time, immersed in an atmosphere suspended between history and nature.