There’s an Italian region–tightly snuggled between beloved neighbors like Lazio, Abruzzo, Puglia, and Campania–that is famous for one thing and one thing only: it doesn’t exist. It’s the one region most Italians seem to forget when asked to name all 20. It’s a place foreign for the vast majority, not visited by chance, only with purpose and intention. This is Molise. 

#IlMoliseNonEsiste (#MoliseDoesn’tExist) has become a nationwide phenomenon, a viral hashtag, a national joke through which to share a laugh or two. I’ve heard Molise compared to The Chronicles of Narnia: step foot into the region, and you’ve entered a land all its own. And then there is the creativity of Italians that shines just like their newest word “Molisn’t.”