Sanctuary of Hercules
Among the most beautiful and evocative ancient sites in Molise, the Sanctuary of Hercules in Campochiaro reflects the deep spirituality of the Pentri Samnites. Nestled in the lush forests of the Matese, this sacred site captivates with its powerful terraces bordered by polygonal walls, typical of the Italic building techniques.
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Type of Experience
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Duration50 min
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DifficultyEasy
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Group SizeIndividuals/groups
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Suitable ForEveryone
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WhenAll year round
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Mode of TransportationOwn vehicle
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Departure FromCampochiaro
Today, the Sanctuary of Hercules in Campochiaro, located in Civitella, seems hidden on the forested side of the mountain, but in ancient times, it was a well-known and frequented place by the Italic communities of the area.
It is one of the few ancient buildings in Molise, in fact, marked on the Peutinger Table with the toponym Hercul(is) Rani, which led to the certain attribution of the deity.
The earliest records of this sacred place date back to the 7th and 6th centuries BC, but it is in the 4th century BC that the sanctuary reaches its full monumental phase, in line with the peak of the Samnite civilization.
The uniqueness of this sanctuary is that it is the only one equipped with a fortified enclosure, as if it were a settlement. Despite this added protection, the sanctuary was plundered several times and suffered significant damage due to repeated earthquakes.
The sacred area was built right on one of the most active faults of the Matese region. Perhaps that is why the Hercules of the sanctuary was invoked with the epithet aisernis (Hercules Aesernius), the ancient name of the Matese.
