The Food & Wine Excellence of the Cinque Reali Siti
The culinary tradition of the Cinque Reali Siti expresses the authenticity of the Basso Tavoliere through a deep bond between peasant culture and its strategic proximity to the Adriatic coast. The cornerstone of the local economy — based on durum wheat and extra virgin olive oil — is reflected in a simple yet refined gastronomic offering, featuring handmade fresh pasta such as troccoli and cavatelli, often enhanced by the use of the distinctive grano arso. This inland heritage blends harmoniously with the maritime culture of the nearby Gulf of Manfredonia. In the Cinque Reali Siti, fresh fish undergoes no complex preparation; instead it is exalted in its purity: local tradition favours grilled cooking, light gratin with garden herbs, the traditional polpo in pignata (octopus stew), and bluefish.
Stornara's cultural identity is deeply tied to its status as an open-air contemporary art museum, universally recognized as the capital of murals in Capitanata. Through the annual Stramurales festival, world-renowned muralists from across the globe — including celebrated names in global urban art — have chosen this rural village as their canvas. These international artists have transformed the town's white walls into vibrant authored masterpieces, creating a powerful visual dialogue between cosmopolitan creativity and historical memory. Strolling through the streets of Stornara offers an immersive journey where monumental works celebrate local traditions, social themes and global avant-gardes, turning the entire town centre into an extraordinary permanent public gallery.