Just over the border into Molise, the Sanctuary of Madonna del Canneto is one of the most atmospheric pilgrimage sites in the southern Apennines. The 12th-century church sits in a wooded valley, surrounded by ancient beeches, with a small stream running beside it. The location alone is worth the journey — cool and shaded in summer, misty and remote in autumn.
The sanctuary has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, drawing visitors from across Abruzzo, Molise, and Campania. The small museum on the grounds has a collection of Roman agricultural implements and ex-votos left by pilgrims over the centuries. From Carunchio, the drive takes about 40 minutes via the SS652.