In the historic center of Campobasso, overlooking Piazza Falcone e Borsellino (formerly Piazza Savoia), stands the splendid Villa De Capoa, an 18th-century jewel that represents one of the city’s most beloved and evocative places. With its 16,000 square meters of greenery, art and history, the villa is an oasis of peace and beauty perfectly integrated into the urban fabric.
Originally built in the 18th century as an officinal garden attached to the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the villa was created by Andrea De Capoa for the cultivation of medicinal herbs by the monks. In the following decades it passed to private owners and was transformed into a refined Italian garden. In 1875 Countess Marianna De Capoa donated the entire complex to the Municipality of Campobasso, making it a public space for strolling and socializing.
The park, designed in classical taste, unfolds in a network of main and secondary avenues bordered by evergreen hedges, marble statues and picturesque views. At the main entrance, an imposing wrought-iron gate welcomes visitors and anticipates the elegance inside. Among the most notable sculptures is the statue of Bacchus with bunches of grapes, placed along the central avenue. Not far away is a travertine grotto, from the Foce area, which houses a pool with gushing water, creating a charming and cool corner.
The park also holds architectural and artistic treasures, such as a Renaissance marble sarcophagus decorated with floral serapes and lion feet, and two 15th-century tombs: one dedicated to the dog Alcon and the other to the soldier Ricciardi Rota, who fell in 1492. Ornamental elements, including marble seats and a fine balustrade made by the workshop of the Tucci brothers of Campobasso, further enrich the atmosphere of the place.
The vegetation is equally remarkable: towering redwoods, cedars of Lebanon and other ornamental essences help create an ideal setting for relaxation, reading or a simple stroll. Villa De Capoa is not just a park, but a symbol of Campobasso’s history and identity, a landmark for citizens and visitors seeking beauty, culture and quiet in the heart of the city.