The roads along this journey between Matese and Volturno overlook land- scapes that inspire emotions, as they penetrate into the intrigue of familiar stories, tales of industrious and brilliant hands. As the road climbs to Villa Santa Croce, the view opens onto the vast hori- zon over Volturno Valley, Monte Taburno, the hills of Caiazzo and the Monti Trebulani. Steep ascents and descents surrounded by greenery cross the splendid territory of Castel di Sasso, where the scent of Conciato Romano cheese tantalises the nose, before landing in Pontelatone where historic vineyards make for an intimate and poetic setting. The pizza path turns white in Alvignano, land of the legendary mozzarellas, before unwinding over the plains of Alife, the fortified city with imposing Roman walls that embrace the city for approximately 2 kilometres. Thousand-year-old stones, not to mention delicious onions and a dazzling beer. A lovely route to Pietravairano, a village perched on the mountainside a short way from a Roman-era temple-theatre and overlooking a generous plain of excellent products such as legumes and tomatoes. The other road that cuts a wonderful track between earth and sky flies between olive groves and vineyards from Caiazzo to Castel Campagnano. The Matese and the Taburno mountains set the background to a glorious stage that highlights the talent of local artists who work with flavour: breeders, winegrowers and olive growers. We are in the land of the Pallagrello, an ancient native vine that perfectly represents the personality and richness of this territory. From the plains of Volturno, our path takes us back up to Ruviano, a destination that testifies to the importance of self-care: a perfect conservative restoration has returned one of Campania’s most beautiful villages to its former glory. All around are the harmonious hills animated by silvery leaves that shine as they blow in the wind, clinging to strong, sinewy, almost human olive trees.
