San Lorenzello: Ceramics, Market and Monte Erbano

Get to know San Lorenzello through its ceramics, architectural history, monthly market and walks on Monte Erbano. Its ceramic production is particularly distinctive and has been awarded the “CAT – Ceramica Artistica Tradizionale” quality mark. The parish church beside the former Carmelite monastery also houses a permanent exhibition of antique and modern ceramics. Church art and historic palaces add to this cultural thread. MercAntico is a recurring event, while the woods and herbs of Monte Erbano offer a different perspective.

Ceramics from San Lorenzello

The quality mark was awarded to the ceramic production of Cerreto Sannita and San Lorenzello and refers to the joint production of the two towns. Items include plates, holy-water stoups, tureens and other objects. The examples therefore range from tableware to items used for religious purposes. The parish church beside the former Carmelite monastery houses the permanent exhibition of antique and modern ceramics. If you plan to visit the exhibition, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Maiolica and Palazzo Massone

The church of Maria S.S. della Sanità has valuable 18th-century maiolica. Palazzo Massone is one of San Lorenzello’s old aristocratic palaces, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. These are two distinct cultural highlights: the maiolica takes centre stage at the church, while the palazzo offers a glimpse into the history of an aristocratic residence. If you are interested in ceramic art and architectural history, you can explore these subjects separately as part of your visit to the town. This makes it easier to choose your cultural focus: church art and maiolica, or the history of an aristocratic palace.

MercAntico and local taralli

MercAntico takes place in San Lorenzello on the last weekend of every month. If you would like to visit the market, check the exact date before travelling. At MercAntico, visitors can sample local taralli, also called “m’scuott”. Varieties are made with oil, lard, pepper or sugar, and come in plain or twisted shapes. The ingredients and shapes offer different points of distinction: the varieties differ both in the ingredients listed and in their plain or twisted form. The market is therefore not just an antiques event, but also an opportunity to discover a local speciality in its different forms.

Walks on Monte Erbano

Monte Erbano offers a nature-focused experience. Visitors can walk through its woods; the mountain is known for its abundance of medicinal and aromatic herbs. A walk here combines time in the woods with an interest in the herbs. This is a different way to get to know San Lorenzello than through ceramics, church art or the market. If you would like to combine cultural experiences with time outdoors while travelling, you can weigh up these options when planning your trip.

Culture, the market or a walk as a reason to travel

When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by considering the reason for your trip: if you want to include MercAntico in your plans, schedule your stay around its date. If you are interested in culture, ceramics, maiolica and Palazzo Massone offer different subjects to explore; for a walk, Monte Erbano adds a nature-focused option. First decide which aspect of the town matters most to you, then tailor your search to that focus.

Discover more destinations: San Nicola Manfredi, Luzzano, Castelvenere, Morcone, Circello, San Martino Sannita, San Salvatore Telesino, Sant'angelo A Cupolo.

For the broader travel overview: Benevento.