Located on the Adriatic coast of Molise, Campomarino is a destination that surprises with its dual soul: the seaside one, perfect for the summer, and the cultural one, linked to a unique history made of Italian-Albanian art and traditions. In fact, the town still preserves its Arbëreshë identity, a linguistic and cultural minority resulting from the settlement of Albanian refugees in the 15th century.
The trip to Campomarino almost inevitably begins from the sea: golden beaches, clear waters that fade from green to blue and well-equipped beach resorts make this location ideal for a relaxing holiday. From the viewpoint of Via Skanderbeg, the gaze embraces the coast up to the Tremiti Islands, immersed between the blue of the sea and the green of the pine forest.
But it is in the ancient village that Campomarino reveals its most authentic face. In Largo Santa Maria a Mare, hospitality and human warmth introduce visitors to a historic center full of surprises. Thanks to the project “ Campomarino borgo d’arte”, the alleys are transformed into an open-air gallery, where the murals tell stories, myths and ancient crafts. For over twenty years, local painter Liliana Corfiati has decorated the facades with scenes of traditional Albanian life, such as weddings, and with mythological figures such as Diomedes, the Greek hero believed to be the founder of the country.
The church of Santa Maria a Mare, the main place of worship, houses a 12th-century crypt in its basement, decorated with frescoes and inscriptions in the Cyrillic alphabet, witnesses to the cultural and religious stratification that characterizes Campomarino. Among the sacred figures depicted, Saint Nicholas and Saint Demetrius stand out, the latter fighting against a Turkish soldier, a clear reference to the Albanian origins.
Continuing along the main street you arrive at the historic Palazzo Norante, now home to the municipal library and a wine shop.. The library is named Ibrahim Kodra, an internationally renowned Arbëreshë artist and a leading figure of post-cubism, celebrated by Pablo Picasso himself.
Campomarino is more than a summer destination: it is a place where sea, history, art and Arbëreshë culture coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a rich and authentic experience in the heart of Molise.