Campobasso facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Campobasso Cambuàsce  (Neapolitan)
Comune
Comune di Campobasso
Panoramic view
Flag Coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Molise
Province	Campobasso (CB)
Frazioni	Santo Stefano
Area
• Total	55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Elevation	701 m (2,300 ft)
Population  (1 January 2024)
• Total	47,449
• Density	863/km2 (2,234/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Campobassani
Time zone	UTC+1 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code	86100
Dialing code	0874
Patron saint	St. George
Saint day	23 April

Castello Monforte

Church of San Bartolomeo

Campobasso is a cool city in southern Italy. It is the main city of the Molise region and the province of Campobasso. You can find it in a high valley near the Biferno river. Mountains like Sannio and Matese surround the city.

Campobasso is famous for making special sharp tools. People have been crafting blades, like scissors and knives, here since the 1300s! The city is also known for its tasty pears and a type of cheese called scamorza. It is home to the University of Molise, where students go to learn. It also has an important church area called the Archdiocese of Campobasso-Boiano.

History of Campobasso

Bell tower of S. Bartolomeo Church in the medieval centre of Campobasso

No one is completely sure how Campobasso started. Many people believe the city was built by the Lombards before the 700s. It was a strong fort on a hill where the castle stands today. Its old name, Campus vassorum, might mean it was a place for the duke's helpers.

After the Normans took over southern Italy, Campobasso became less important as a fort. But it grew into a busy place for trade and managing the area.

From 1330 to 1745, the Monforte-Gambatesa family ruled the city. They built the famous castle and even had their own money-making place. Later, other families like the Di Capua and Gonzaga took control.

The old part of Campobasso has the Castello Monforte. In 1732, people started building a new town on flatter land below. By 1763, most citizens had moved to this new, lower area. The city we see today was made bigger in 1814 by King Joachim Murat. Its name, Campo Basso, means "Low field."

Campobasso saw a lot of fighting during World War II. In late 1943, German and Canadian soldiers fought hard for the city. Many buildings were destroyed, including the City Hall. Sadly, 38 people died, and many more were hurt. Canadian troops stayed and helped run the city. Because of this, Campobasso was sometimes called "Canada Town."

In 1995, the city received a special award. It got the Bronze Medal for Civil Valour. This was for their brave work in clearing dangerous bombs left over from the war. This important job continued until 1948.

Cool Places to See

One of the most exciting places to visit in Campobasso is the Castello Monforte. A local ruler named Nicola II Monforte built it in 1450. It stands on a high point where very old settlements once were. The castle has special battlements, shaped like swallows' tails. The castle you see today was rebuilt after big earthquakes in 1456 and 1805.

Next to the castle is the Chiesa della Madonna del Monte. This church was first built in the 1000s and rebuilt in 1525. Inside, you can see a beautiful old wooden statue from 1334. Below the castle, the church of St. George is probably the oldest in Campobasso. It was built around the year 1000 AD on top of an even older temple.

The main church, called the Cathedral or Chiesa della Santissima Trinità, was built in 1504. An earthquake destroyed it in 1805. A new, grand church was then built in 1829.

The church of San Bartolomeo is an old Romanesque building from the 1000s. It is made of limestone and has a simple, beautiful design inside.

San Leonardo (from the 1300s) has a mix of old Gothic and Romanesque styles. It features a unique window with plant designs.

Villa de Capoa is a lovely garden that has been recently fixed up. It has cool statues and many different kinds of trees. You can see giant sequoias, tall Norway Spruces, cypresses, and big Lebanon Cedars.

Friends Around the World

Campobasso has special friendships with cities in other countries. These are called "twin towns" or "sister cities."

• Ottawa, Canada
• Lezhë, Albania
• Frontera Hidalgo, Mexico
• Mahopac, United States
• Vladimir, Russia
• Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Sassari, Italy

Getting Around

Trains

The Campobasso railway station is right in the middle of the city. It connects two important train lines. One goes from Termoli to Vairano, and the other comes from Benevento.

Roads

Cars and trucks use several main roads to get around Campobasso. These include the State Road Sannitica and the State Road 645 Del Tappino.

Buses

Inside the city, there are 23 bus lines. These buses help people travel all over Campobasso. A company called SEAC s.r.l. runs them.

Weather and Geography

Campobasso is about 701 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level. It is also close to the Apennine Mountains. This makes it one of the colder cities in central and southern Italy.

The city has a climate with warm summers and mild winters. Snow often falls during the winter months. The average temperature is about 13°C (55°F). The wettest time of year is autumn, especially November, when it gets about 77 mm (3 inches) of rain.

Famous People from Campobasso

Many talented people come from Campobasso, including:

• Fred Bongusto, a singer
• Alberto Bonucci, an actor
• Dino Bravo, a professional wrestler
• Tony Dallara, a singer
• Pasquale Gravina, a volleyball player
• Tito Mattei, a classical music composer
• Fabrizio Brienza, a model and actor