Agnone

Agnone is a town and commune located in the Molise region of Italy in the province of Isernia. The town is spread over an area of 96 sq km and has a population of close to 5600. Agnone is mostly known for manufacturing of bells, the famous manufacturer being the Marinelli bell foundry.

Agnone is a pretty town located on a hill top and is close to the Verrino River. According to scholars, the area was inhabited from Pre-Roman times and several ruins dating back to that age can still be seen in the region. In the middle ages the town flourished because of its many crafts like bell making, gold jewelry and watches.

Getting to Agnone

Agnone is located quite close to Isernia so reaching the town is not very difficult. The best way to reach Agnone is by buses. The town is also well connected with Isernia, Villa Canale, Rigaini and other towns in the province through the state bus network. These buses are quite regular and leave for Agnone on all days of the week. Tickets can be bought at the bus station and advance booking is not required. Those who have their own cars can easily drive down to Agnone.

Moving Around Agnone

Moving around Agnone is fairly easy. The town is quite small and there are not many places to visit in Agnone. Most visitors that come to Agnone prefer to explore the town on foot since the streets here are not congested with traffic. There are public buses that operate in Agnone, so visitors can use them as well for moving around different sections of the town. Information on bus routes is easily available and tickets can be bought from the tobacco shops or the bus station in the town. Those who have their own car can also easily drive around in Agnone, parking spots are easily available and except for a few places the streets are comfortable for driving.

Attractions in Agnone

Church of San Antonio Abate

The church of San Antonio Abate in Agnone is one of the most important churches in the town. The church has a Romanesque architecture and the portal is done in true Romanesque style of architecture. Inside the church is a large fresco done on the vault by Francesco Palumbo. The bell tower of the church dates back to the 17^th century.

Church of San Amidio

The church of San Amidio is also an impressive church, mainly because of its beautiful interior. The portal of the church dates back to the 12^th century. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated with several art pieces and frescoes. There are large wooden statues which have been painted. Every year on Good Friday these wooden statues are taken out of the church for a re-enactment of the Last Supper.

Church of Corso Garibaldi

The church of Corso Garibaldi is a large complex that has old houses standing on the sides of the church. Each of these houses has stone lions standing at the door in old tradition. Close to the old houses are old workshops where the local artisans used to work. Two of the most noteworthy houses in the complex house are the Nuonno house and the Apollonio house.

Church of San Francesco

The church of San Francesco is believed to have been built around the 13^th or the 14^th centuries. The chuch is mainly known for its large round window which is placed above the portal and dates back to 1330 AD. The interior of the church has been decorated with paintings and frescoes, the most noteworthy being the scene of the Final Judgment which is placed above the vault and was made by Gambora.

Church of San Marco

The church of San Marco was built in the 11^th century and has a large renaissance portal which has been embellished with a copper lion. The church is mainly known for its interiors, which has been decorated with rich art works. There are rich altars inside the church which have been gilded and embellished with copper and enamel, one of which is made by the noted artist Giovanni who was a disciple of Nicola.

Stay and Accommodation

Agnone does not have many hotels or bed & breakfasts located around the town since the town does not attract many tourists. Most people that come to Agnone come here as a day excursion from the nearby cities. However, there are a few hotels in Agnone that are small and comfortable, but not really fancy hotels. Most hotels in Agnone are located close to the the center of the town. Some of the hotels to try in Agnone are Borgo San Pietro, Masseria Santa Lucia, Ducca Del Sanio and Acquasale Torismo. There are also a few farm houses and holiday homes which are available on rent for those who are planning to stay in Agnone a little longer.

Eating in Agnone

Visitors coming to Agnone would only have a few options for eating out. The town has only a few good restaurants, pizzerias and bars which are mainly where the locals like to eat. Most restaurants in town serve local Italian dishes and regional dishes that are typical to this region. Home style cooking and simple hearty dishes are mainly what the locals prefer to eat. Some of the best restaurants that tourists can try in Agnone are Ristorante Albergo Italia, Ristorante Tenuta Giardino Dei Celiegi  and Ristorante La Botte.

Shopping in Agnone

Agnone has a few places where visitors can shop. There are a few small shopping streets located close to the center of the town that are lined with small shops selling clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, food items and handicrafts. However, Agnone is mainly known for its agricultural products and for its lovely bells which have been exported all over Europe for decades. The town is famous for its wine, cheese and olive oil Visitors can purchase good quality local wines, olive oil and a variety of cheeses from many food shops in Agnone.