Located on the Adriatic coast of Molise, Campomarino is a destination that surprises visitors with its dual character: a seaside atmosphere, perfect for summer, and a cultural side rooted in a unique history of Italian-Albanian art and traditions. The town still preserves its Arbëreshë identity today—a linguistic and cultural minority stemming from the settlement of Albanian refugees in the 15th century.
A trip to Campomarino almost inevitably begins at the sea: golden beaches, crystal-clear waters that fade from green to blue, and well-equipped beach resorts make this town ideal for a relaxing vacation. From the viewpoint on Via Skanderbeg, the view stretches along the coast all the way to the Tremiti Islands, nestled between the blue of the sea and the green of the pine forest.
But it is in the old town that Campomarino reveals its most authentic side. In Largo Santa Maria a Mare, a warm welcome and genuine hospitality introduce visitors to a historic center full of surprises. Thanks to the “Campomarino: Village of Art” project, the narrow streets are transformed into an open-air gallery, where murals tell stories, myths, and tales of ancient crafts. For over twenty years, local painter Liliana Corfiati has been decorating the facades with scenes of traditional Albanian life, such as weddings, and with mythological figures like Diomedes, the Greek hero believed to be the town’s founder.
The Church of Santa Maria a Mare, the town’s main place of worship, houses a 12th-century crypt in its basement, decorated with frescoes and inscriptions in the Cyrillic alphabet—testaments to the cultural and religious diversity that characterizes Campomarino. Among the sacred figures depicted, St. Nicholas and St. Demetrius stand out; the latter is shown fighting a Turkish soldier, a clear reference to the town’s Albanian origins.
Continuing along the main street, you arrive at the historic Palazzo Norante, now home to the municipal library and a wine bar. The library is named after Ibrahim Kodra, an internationally renowned Arbëreshë artist and a leading figure of Post-Cubism, celebrated by Pablo Picasso himself.
Campomarino is more than just a summer destination: it is a place where the sea, history, art, and Arbëreshë culture coexist harmoniously, offering visitors a rich and authentic experience in the heart of Molise.