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William Shakespeare would have been curious to know, perhaps, that a similar tale to Romeo and Juliet was once played out in Campobasso, the capital of Italy's Molise region. The characters were not known by Capulet and Montague but rather Crociati and Trinitari and the lovers met on the streets of Campobasso. "Delicata" and "Fonzo" were defiant and ready to defend their love in the face of death.
The climax of this tragic love story differs somewhat from Shakespeare's version in that "Fonzo" doesn't die. Instead he becomes a priest.
Walking along the characteristic medieval streets of Campobasso the grand entrance doors of noble family palazzi are distinguished by the ancient family coats of arms. This is the old Campobasso, where a little bit of imagination still breathes life into the tragic story of the town's two lovers. It's also the Campobasso of Count Cola, a grand military hero without whom the Castle of Monforte would have lost its impressive power.
Down the hill side, on the plain, the 19th century part of the city can be found and Campobasso assumes the form of a garden designed by Italian architect Musenga. Following the streets as they untie towards the city centre, one lights upon rare plant specimens decidedly un-Italian.
Lebanese cedars, spruce firs, ginko bilboa and sequoia create a certain exotic atmosphere. The singular architecture of the urban spaces represents an unexpected surprise for visitors who may otherwise believe they're in a London suburb, rather than in the tree-filled piazzas of Molise's Campobasso.
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