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Campobasso

Campobasso
Comune
Comune di Campobasso
Campobasso Campanile S. Bartolomeo.jpg
Flag
Flag
Coat of arms
Coat of arms
Campobasso is located in Italy
Campobasso
Campobasso
Location of Campobasso in Italy
Coordinates: 41°34′N 14°40′E / 41.567°N 14.667°E / 41.567; 14.667
Country Italy
Region Molise
Province / Metropolitan city Campobasso (CB)
Frazioni Santo Stefano
Government
 • Mayor Antonio Battista (Democratic)
Area
 • Total 55 km2 (21 sq mi)
Elevation 701 m (2,300 ft)
Population (December 2014)
 • Total 49,434
 • Density 900/km2 (2,300/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Campobassani
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 86100
Dialing code 0874
Patron saint St. George
Saint day April 23
Website Official website

Campobasso (IPA: [kampoˈbasso]; Campobassan dialect Cambuàsce, IPA: [kambuˈwaʃʃə]) is a city and comune in central/southern Italy, the capital of the region of Molise and of the province of Campobasso. It is located in the high basin of the Biferno river, surrounded by Sannio and Matese mountains.

Campobasso is renowned for the craftsmanship of blades (including scissors and knives), a fact well documented since the 14th century. It is also famous for the production of pears and scamorza (cheese). The city is the home of the University of Molise and of the Archdiocese of Campobasso-Boiano.

The origins of Campobasso are disputed. According to the most widely held theory, the city was founded by the Lombards before the 8th century as a fortified camp on the slope of the hill where the castle stands. The original name was Campus vassorum, suggesting that the city was the seat of the vassals of the duke of Spoleto.

After the Norman conquest of Southern Italy, Campobasso lost its importance as a defensive stronghold, but became a significant trading and administration centre.

From 1330 to 1745 the city was ruled by the Monforte-Gambatesa family, who built the castle and established a mint. Later it came under the control of the Di Capua, Gonzaga, Vitagliano, Carafa and Romano families.


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