Statigliano: Norman Tower, Church Art and Regional Cuisine

Statigliano brings together historic buildings, religious art and local food culture. In the hamlet, the Torre Normanna stands beside the Chiesa della S.S. Vergine delle Grazie; the Chiesa di Santa Margherita adds works from different centuries to the cultural offering. There is also a woodland path to the Mastio and culinary traditions associated with Statigliano and Roccaromana. If you choose a destination based on specific cultural and landscape themes, you will find several distinct highlights here: architecture, art, views, a woodland walk and traditional food.

Torre Normanna and Monte Castello

The Torre Normanna stands on Monte Castello in the hamlet of Statigliano. The cylindrical tower is about 18 metres high. The rectangular noble chapel, the Chiesa della S.S. Vergine delle Grazie, is right beside it. From the top of the Torre Normanna, you can see across the Alto, Medio and Basso Volturno areas within a radius of 40 km. The Chiesa della S.S. Vergine delle Grazie should not be confused with the Chiesa di Santa Margherita: one is the rectangular chapel beside the tower, while the other is distinguished by its fresco and main altar sculpture.

Art in the Chiesa di Santa Margherita

The Chiesa di Santa Margherita shifts the focus from architecture to art. On the main altar of the church dedicated to the holy martyr stands the sculpture Santa Margherita di Antiochia. Nicola Fumo created it in the third decade of the 18th century. The fresco by Vincenzo Galloppi dates from 1910 and depicts the martyrdom of Saint Margaret at the moment of her beheading. Thus, two works from different centuries meet in the same church: a sculpture of a saint on the altar and a fresco showing a specific scene of martyrdom. The municipal visitor information, updated on 12 December 2024, states that admission to the Chiesa di Santa Margherita is free.

Woodland path to the Mastio

The Tour dei Castelli – 5: Roccaromana follows a path through the woods to the Mastio. The access point to the fortified area can be reached from both Statigliano and the municipality’s main town. The path to the Mastio and the view from the Torre Normanna offer two different highlights: a walk through the woods to an architectural landmark, and views across three named Volturno areas.

Culinary traditions in Statigliano and Roccaromana

The local cuisine also offers a tangible connection to the area. Casuforte di Statigliano is a cheese made in Statigliano, a hamlet in the municipality of Roccaromana (CE), from whole raw goat’s milk from September to April. Its production period gives the product a seasonal character. In Roccaromana, the much sought-after “cavati” are prepared in a small baking dish according to an old recipe: the town’s grandmothers use flour, water and salt. The two culinary traditions have different focuses: Casuforte is characterised by raw goat’s milk and seasonal production, while the cavati are defined by their ingredients and preparation in a small baking dish.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pietramelara, Villa Literno, Casapulla, Caiazzo, Presenzano, San Castrese, San Tammaro, Piccilli.

For the wider travel guide: Caserta.