📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The workcamp is organized by YAP – Youth Action for Peace with ARTETECA Molise; ARTETECA Molise is a cultural association that dedicates its activities to the rediscovery and enhancement of the tangible and intangible heritage of Molise region. Guardiaregia is a small mountain town in the province of Campobasso in Molise region. The settlement exists since ancient Roman times. Nowadays it represents a typical mountain town with few inhabitants in winter, a bit more in summer, that struggles to preserve its identity and traditions. Even being part of WWF oasis and owning a huge natural and cultural heritage it is still not well-known for tourists. After the success of the first international workcamp organized together with ARTETECA Molise association in 2019, this year the volunteers will go ahead with exploration of this beautiful place, its history, culture and natural landscape.
💼 What the programme involves
Since ancient times, Guardiaregia has been a place of transit and control of the territory. In the surroundings there are still ruins of walls, artistic artefacts, sites of historical value, which however are often hidden in the woods, abandoned, simply forgotten or little known. Under the technical supervision of the staff of Arteteca Molise trained by professors and researchers from the University of Molise and in collaboration with the Municipality of Guardiaregia, international volunteers will walk through the woods, hills and paths of Guardiaregia and 1. recover forgotten heritage and rediscover sites of historical and artistic value; 2. clean up the spontaneous vegetation where possible; 3. make photos, drawings and maps of these places. The aim of the project is to provide the University of Molise, through Arteteca Molise, with useful material for a future drafting of a "map" of the cultural and historical sites of Guardiaregia that can be used by university researchers for more in-depth studies on the heritage of Guardiaregia.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation in shared double tents. Please note that the tents are provided but you must bring your own sleeping bag (warm and thick). The volunteers will have access to the toilets, showers and kitchen in the adjoining building. The volunteers will share the different collective tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
📍 About the location
Guardiaregia is a small mountain town of 748 inhabitants in the Province of Campobasso, Molise, southern Italy. In ancient times it was a strongpoint of the Samnites and Romans. The current settlement dates from the medieval Lombard Duchy of Benevento, when a castle was built here to protect Campochiaro. In 1805 the town was hit with a sizable earthquake that destroyed the castle. During the Second World War there was a vast number of immigrants to Canada and the United States. Since 1996 the town together with the neighbour Campochiaro made up the natural oasis of WWF Riserva Regionale Guardiaregia Campochiaro with its caves, canyons and waterfalls that now is close to become Matese National Park. Beautiful walkways and viewpoints weave up, down and along the hillsides where you might be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife. In their free time the volunteers can go hiking at archaeological sites and / or natural sites, such as chestnut woods, natural caves and mountain pathways.
TERMINAL: Naples airport. There is direct bus from Naples (Piazza Garibaldi) from Monday to Saturday at 16:15, arrival in Guardiaregia at 18:50. More specific info will be provided in the infosheet.
ℹ️ Additional information
YAP project-related motivation form is required. This workcamp is recommended for those who love nature, enjoy working outdoors, taking care of the environment and also with interest in photos and drawings. You must have a suitable mountain equipment: trekking shoes, backpack, windbreaker and raincoat, hat, flashlight (preferably frontal), water bottle.
