While certain locations in Italy are named after glorious mythical figures such as Romulus (Roma) and Manto (Mantua), the towns and villages of Molise tend to have very literal sounding names.

Whether this is due to a lack of imagination or a desire to kept things simple for the locals, we dont know, but Gambatesa meaning outstretched leg is an absolute gem.

The town lies on the borders of Puglia at the most souteasterly point of Molise. Only Capracotta or 'cooked goat' beats it.

Other amusing places nearby include 'Case Arse', 'Toppo (mouse) Fornelli' and 'Colletorto' (twisty hills).

There is something to see at Gambatesa and the 'castello d'Alessandro' contains marvellous 15th century frescoes by Donato da Copertino inside its square defenses.

They depict medieval countryside straight our of a Brother's Grimm fairy tale. The castle is interesting as it has obviously been modified as the external threats subsided and the need to live a patrician life grew.