Santa Croce di Magliano, gently nestled in the hills of lower Molise, offers a unique panorama of mountains, sea and the early towns of Puglia. The village boasts a fascinating history and deep-rooted traditions, some of which manifest themselves in cultural and gastronomic events.
The origins of the village probably date back to the union of inhabitants of several hamlets around a church. Over time, an Albanian colony was established, and the first documented evidence dates back to the 13th century. In 1266 it became a fief of the monastery of Sant’Eustachio in Pantasia, and then came under the control of several noble families, including the Caldora, Acciapaccio, Ceva Grimaldi, and finally Rocco Stella of Modugno.
The historic center preserves important architectural evidence such as the Greek Church, the Mother Church of St. Anthony and the Church of St. James the Apostle. Outside the town are the remains of the Magliano tower and the Benedictine abbey of Melanico, with its Romanesque facade decorated with animal figures and human protomes. More recently, the Antonio Giordano Prize has enriched the village with contemporary art murals, while a plaque near the Greek Church commemorates poet and physician Raffaele Capriglione.
The traditions of Santa Croce di Magliano are still deeply felt. On the last Saturday in April, the blessing of animals is celebrated with a symbolic rite around the church of St. James. On June 13, for St. Anthony, there is an atmospheric parade of ox-drawn carts, accompanied by the traditional “questua,” during which residents donate goods and foodstuffs later auctioned off. Children, in addition, are dressed as the Saint.
At Christmas time there is “La Pasquetta,” a traveling carol between houses on the night of Jan. 5-6. On March 19, in honor of St. Joseph, “U Marauasce,” a traditional bonfire, is lit. A lesser-known but fascinating tradition is that of the “Quarantana”: rag dolls hung on balconies during Lent, with a potato strung by seven feathers to mark the weeks until Easter.
Santa Croce di Magliano remains a lively village, where history, art and traditions blend harmoniously, offering visitors an authentic Molise experience.