At the foot of Mount Mutria in the Matese mountain range, Guardiaregia is a village in Molise immersed in uncontaminated nature, part of the largest WWF Oasis in peninsular Italy.
In the past known as Guardia di Campochiaro, the village was located in another area, later transformed with the creation of the Arcichiaro reservoir. However, there remain places of extraordinary naturalistic value, such as the Hill of three Brothers, where three majestic beech trees recall an ancient legend of bandits.
The first historical evidence dates back to 1500, when the village was a fortified outpost, destroyed by the earthquake of 1805. In the Lombard era it belonged to the County of Bojano and, subsequently, was under the dominion of the Counts of Molise, the Pandone and the Di Capua. Today the village develops on a rocky ridge overlooking the Quirino stream. On the upper part stands the Church of San Nicola, while downstream is that of Santa Maria a Nives.
The WWF Oasis of over 2,000 hectares, established in 1997, preserves a unique ecosystem between Guardiaregia and Campochiaro. The gorges of the Quirino stream, about 3 km long, descend from 800 to 600 meters above sea level, shaped over time by the water. Here you will find the spectacular San Nicola waterfall, with a drop of about 100 meters.
The flora is very rich: beech trees, holm oaks, strawberry trees and numerous species of orchids color the landscape. The fauna hosts birds of prey such as the kite and the woodpecker, the dipper and various species of amphibians. The symbol of the Oasis is the rare spectacled salamander.
In addition to nature, Guardiaregia boasts an authentic gastronomic tradition. Among the local specialties, the sausages and chicken cooked in the pignata, a clay container made by local master craftsmen, stand out. To experience the village, don’t miss the Giro di San Martino, also an opportunity to taste the new wine.
Fun fact: in 1953 the film The Price of Honor was shot in Guardiaregia, leaving a cinematic mark in the history of the village.
A true jewel of Molise, where history, nature and culture intertwine, offering hikers a unique experience.