Larino
What people are saying
LARINO: A TOWN OF REMARKABLE FESTIVALS
5.0 of 5 bubblesJun 2022
Last year (2022) after the ravages of covid had passed in our native Canada, and - thankfully - also in Larino, Molise, Italy, we returned to find the town wonderfully rejuvinated. The San Pardo Festival preparations were under way and the joy of the people in being able to have their centuries old festival once again was palpable. We have never have had a better vacation. We entered into every moment of the preparations and marched in every parade. The town band was in splendid form and the musicians, some as young as seven or eight, sounded like an orchestra with much greater experience. Quite remarkable! You have to realize that Larino is a town of festivals. It has already acquired an international reputation for its CARNEVALE in February where each of the floats is made, by hand, by the citizenry. We have been told that this year's version attracted THOUSANDS of guests from all over the world. TheChristmas Festival of Lights, focused in the historical centre of the community, had - I am told - 50,000 visitors. This in a town that has a total population of roughly 8 thousand people. It is not an exaggeration to say that a festival is either being planned or is in full swing. All of this is staffed by the populace, young and old. We found the town pristine. There is even a group of Larinese who regularly volunteer to check the streets for debris. Add to the remarkable annual events a Roman era amphitheater in a state of remarkable preservation, a Palazzo Ducale, a museum devoted to ecclesiastical art, and an unforgettable collection of images of the town housed in a special room in the name of Igino Pilone, a master photographer. In addition, the old town is marvelously preserved and there is is a sense of vitality in the little streets. This is a town of concerts, amateur theatrical presentations, contests, and spontaneous festivals. On one day there may be runners, or cyclists. On another day there will be a feast dedicated to those who own the iconic cinquecento motor cars, or the equally classic toylike motorcycles. You might find a Miss Molise Pageant, or a special presentation to an honored citizen. This is Italy as it once was. My family and I have travelled to all the well known sites in Italy and there is nothing like this town. Do a little bit of research that your trip can coincide with one of the larger events. There are excellent hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, and lots of superb little restaurants. You have not seen Italy until you have seen Larino. Hope to meet you there. Robert, Anna, Andrea, Jed,Miriam, Anna, Mimi, Grace, James, Sofia Gardner. P.S. Say a special hello to a tower (The GaluppiTower) lovingly restored by my talented wife, Anna Galuppi Gardner. The tower was built in 1312 as part of a San Fransican Monastery and is now our family's summer home. Come to Larino with respects, it merits your regard. You will not soon forget this experience.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles69 reviews
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vicoduomo
Oakville, Canada36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Larino is a well kept secret. No pollution, hot days, cool evenings, minutes from the beach (Termoli). The Centro Storico is marvellously preserved. This is especially true after the earthquake. Larino, characteristically, got right to work and restored scores of buildings in beautiful new pastel colours which echo how the homes looked two centurires ago. There's a festival almost every night, either in Larino or one of the beautiful little towns nearby (Montorio, Casacalenda, Monte Longo). In the new town (Piano San Leonardo) there is a beautiful first class hotel, Campitelli Due. Larino is also home to an unexpectedly large and completely modern hospital. Other sights include: an amphitheatre that predates the colisseum in Rome, the Galuppi Tower (near the cathedral), the Cathedral (1312) with its beautiful rosone window with thirteen sections, and a smaller church totally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The place is steeped in history and to walk here is to walk in the steps of Hannibal, Fabio Massimo, the Sannite warriors, and one of the most horrific women in history, Sassia. She falsly accused her son of killing his step father. Only the intervention of Cicero saved the boy and his sister. Alexander Dumas almost certainly visited Larino and he wrote about it in his minor novel "The Bloody Reign". The most exciting event is the Festival of San Pardo in 25,26,27 of May. Over one hudred carts are covered in handmade flowers and pulled by pairs of pure white oxen. It's a sight not to be missed.
Written August 9, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

vicoduomo
Oakville, Canada36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Family
Larino just keeps getting better and better. After the 2002 earthquake Larino was the beneficiary of massive funding to restore the medieval centre to its original condition. One of the results is the completely refurbished PALAZZO DUCALE which houses the town's municipal offices. The Palazzo was, in turns, a defensive castle (likely of the Norman period), a nobleman's home, and now administrative offices. However it also has a remarkable museum with artefacts from 500 BC and incredibly beautiful mosaic floors. In another set of elegant rooms there is the permanent location of the Igino Pilone galleries. Mr. Pilone was a member of a family of gifted photographers who kept a pictorial record of the town's history. The gallery is a wonderful evocation of life as it was lived in this unforgettable community. In the summer festivals and cultural events are held in the handsome cobblestoned courtyard. Across the street from the Palazzo Ducale you will find the Bishop's Palace right beside a cathedral that was built in 1312 by order of Pope Clement V. Part of the Bishop's Palace has become a museum with displays of art work and statuary from Larino's churches and other places of worship in the region. Up towards the new town (Piano San Leonardo) you will find Villa Zappone, a "liberty style" home that has become a museum. The remarkable thing about this home is that is built on top of the remains of a classical bath house where you can see mosaics featuring sea monsters. The bath house was likely built during the time of Christ. Just steps away from the Villa you will discover an amphitheater that was built at roughly the same time as Rome's Colosseum. To the south of the arena, hidden off the roadway, are the remains of the ancient forum of Larinum. In this area there are a number of ruins which also have mosaic floors. Additionally, in the old town what was the first seminary in the
western world is being restored. It is close to the Galuppi tower, a campanile which was constructed at roughly the same time that the Battle of Bannockburn was being fought between Robert the Bruce and the English (to give you a time frame). If you are in Italy during Christmas be sure to see the Nativity festival where many of the old streets and houses are populated by citizens of Larino in the costume of biblical times, complete with Roman soldiers, and various craftsmen (again in costume typical of the time of Christ). However, the most important event in the life of the community takes place at the end of May. It is called the Festival of San Pardo (Larino's patron saint) and you will witness more than one hundred cattle drawn carts completely covered in flowers made by local families. I doubt that there is any other festival in the world that can compare with this event. It is completely non-commercial, completely spontaneous, and beyond belief. To my mind, Larino should be protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. For example, it has the largest unspoiled medieval centers in all of Italy. Larino is unforgettable.
Written December 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tripleddd
Vancouver BC29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2014 • Solo
The ancient village of Larino is situated in the province of Molise and is a relatively short ride by car, bus or train from the larger city of Campobasso. This is a relatively "undiscovered" area of Italy and is a prime example of Italians living in the traditions of old. There is very little in the way of tourist traps competing for your money. Larino is basically two villages, one is the ancient part and the other is the more modern area where you will find amenities. The old part where my grandparents were born, baptised and grew up is a maze of narrow ancient streets just large enough for Vespas, very small delivery trucks and cars. The village had suffered an earthquake a few years back and there are a few buildings that are under reconstruction. The old village is so quaint and it makes me wonder why my grandparents would even consider leaving here and coming to the New World. I am sure life may have been difficult in the 1880's.

If you are going to Larino to enquire about your family history. Ask for Pepe, who is presently looking after the church records. We had been to Larino a few years back and the records were in storage due to the lack of proper storage facilities because of the earthquake. But now they have special cabinets that house most of the records. It was exciting to see church records bound in leather that were dated into the 1500's. Go and seek and take the time to unwind. The people are friendly and hospitable... I would go there after seeing the other major attractions in Italy..that way you can unwind and chill, catch your breath before heading home.
Written September 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Skyred
Alberta, Canada29 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2013 • Solo
If you do not have family or friends here you may find it difficult to know what is where because this part of Italy is virtually untouched by tourism. The people are so friendly and if you did make it here I am sure you would fall in love with the culture and the food of this region. Larino was once home to an ancient civilization older and more important than the Romans!

This town is worth a visit. Several festivals are worth checking out... but the biggest would have to be San Pardo in late May for 3 days. Make sure to book early... and choose a B&B over a hotel!
Written July 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mél G
QUEBEC161 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2012 • Family
I love the peoples over there , just friendly and kind
I love the place its just awesome ....
you have to see for understand
Written November 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jimowens01
Wickford, UK18 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015
Small italian town in Lazio , has a number of good value restaurants but not much else to hold the attention. .
Roads into are very dirty and litter and rubbish everywhere seesm to be abig problem in Italy. Even in beiaty spots every lay-by or viewpoint is packed with discarded domestic appiances and mounds of rotting rubbish..

.
Written September 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Irene D
Montreal, Canada3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2014 • Family
Super b&b, great hosts (the Raimondo family), great accommodations, magnificent landscape surrounding, soothing to the eyes and great breakfast, almost like a brunch!
Written June 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

vicoduomo
Oakville, Canada36 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022
Last year (2022) after the ravages of covid had passed in our native Canada, and - thankfully - also in Larino, Molise, Italy, we returned to find the town wonderfully rejuvinated. The San Pardo Festival preparations were under way and the joy of the people in being able to have their centuries old festival once again was palpable. We have never have had a better vacation. We entered into every moment of the preparations and marched in every parade. The town band was in splendid form and the musicians, some as young as seven or eight, sounded like an orchestra with much greater experience. Quite remarkable! You have to realize that Larino is a town of festivals. It has already acquired an international reputation for its CARNEVALE in February where each of the floats is made, by hand, by the citizenry. We have been told that this year's version attracted THOUSANDS of guests from all over the world. TheChristmas Festival of Lights, focused in the historical centre of the community, had - I am told - 50,000 visitors. This in a town that has a total population of roughly 8 thousand people. It is not an exaggeration to say that a festival is either being planned or is in full swing. All of this is staffed by the populace, young and old. We found the town pristine. There is even a group of Larinese who regularly volunteer to check the streets for debris. Add to the remarkable annual events a Roman era amphitheater in a state of remarkable preservation, a Palazzo Ducale, a museum devoted to ecclesiastical art, and an unforgettable collection of images of the town housed in a special room in the name of Igino Pilone, a master photographer. In addition, the old town is marvelously preserved and there is is a sense of vitality in the little streets. This is a town of concerts, amateur theatrical presentations, contests, and spontaneous festivals. On one day there may be runners, or cyclists. On another day there will be a feast dedicated to those who own the iconic cinquecento motor cars, or the equally classic toylike motorcycles. You might find a Miss Molise Pageant, or a special presentation to an honored citizen. This is Italy as it once was. My family and I have travelled to all the well known sites in Italy and there is nothing like this town. Do a little bit of research that your trip can coincide with one of the larger events. There are excellent hotels, bed and breakfast establishments, and lots of superb little restaurants. You have not seen Italy until you have seen Larino. Hope to meet you there.
Robert, Anna, Andrea, Jed,Miriam, Anna, Mimi, Grace, James, Sofia Gardner.
P.S. Say a special hello to a tower (The GaluppiTower) lovingly restored by my talented wife, Anna Galuppi Gardner. The tower was built in 1312 as part of a San Fransican Monastery and is now our family's summer home. Come to Larino with respects, it merits your regard. You will not soon forget this experience.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ulten s
Trento, Italy11,336 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
A beautiful and fascinating village to visit calmly also because it is small, in the center there is the beautiful ducal palace of medieval origin, the cathedral dedicated to the Assumption and San Pardo is also interesting.
Google
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Faiza m
Lahore, Pakistan18 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
Larino is an Italian municipality of 6,360 inhabitants[4] in the province of Campobasso in Molise. Home to some institutions and public services, including the court and the maximum security prison, it also has various production activities operating mainly in the agricultural sector and small industry.
Google
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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