WWF Guardiaregia-Campochiaro Oasis: the wildest Molise between gorges, caves, and ancient woods

Hidden among the Matese mountains, as if it did not want to be seen, lies one of Italy's lesser-known natural treasures. This is the WWF Guardiaregia-Campochiaro Oasis. This oasis is a protected area extending over 3,135 hectares and is managed by the WWF. Here you can find different types of environments and habitats: for example, very suggestive canyons, among the most beautiful in the Apennines, such as the gorges of the Quirino stream, about 4 kilometers long, can be documented.

It is a narrow incision between the mountains carved by the waterway, which is crossed by the San Nicola waterfall, a cascade about 100 meters high that offers a spectacular visual effect for anyone who is there to witness it. But in addition to the deep canyons, there are also very high mountains like Monte Mutria, which is the highest peak in the oasis (about 1823 meters) and is surrounded by centuries-old beech forests that rise almost to the summit.

From this height, if you turn to one side you will have a view of Molise, while on the other side you will see Campania. In the karst area of the oasis, you find the caves of Pozzo della Neve and Cul di Bove, which are abysses over 900/1000 meters deep. One of the most particular animals that can be found within the oasis is the spectacled salamander (salamandrina degli occhiali).

This highlights the great biodiversity, given that this amphibian is very rare and finds one of its last natural refuges here. Furthermore, especially in spring, in addition to the blooming flowers, the many colorful butterflies give life to a marvelous palette. Walking in the park means immersing yourself in nature, especially when walking the San Nicola Nature trail, where the spray of the waterfall touches the skin, creating a beautiful effect.

On the Deer trail (Sentiero del Cervo), on the other hand, you will have a privileged view of the deer. Furthermore, the oasis is part of the new Matese National Park which was established in 2025 in an agreement between Campania and Molise. This is the place where stone, water, and silence reunite in a single oasis made of peace and beauty.

cover photo credits Simone diniro licensed by CC BY-SA 3.0