Casalsottano: Palazzo and Masks of the Old Carnival

Carnival Traditions and the Palazzo

Casalsottano offers a tangible connection to Cilento’s architectural heritage and carnival traditions. Palazzo dei Principi Paleologo di Bisanzio at Via Cappella 27 is described as a historical and cultural symbol of San Mauro Cilento’s Greek-Byzantine roots. The Palazzo complex preserves materials, costumes, masks and other accessories from San Mauro Cilento’s old carnival. Visitors interested in culture will find architectural history alongside material evidence of a theatrical tradition here.

The old carnival of San Mauro Cilento, A MASCHKARATA, consists of interconnected scenes of folk theatre that recall the commedia dell’arte. The tradition therefore includes both masks and costumes and a sequence of linked performance scenes. The carnival normally takes place on the last Sunday of the carnival season and on Shrove Tuesday. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant year.

Archives, Library and Religious History

The Museo Eleousa is dedicated to the social and religious history of old Cilento. The museum is housed in the substructure of the parish church of San Mauro Cilento. The historical diplomatic archive preserves manuscripts from the 16th to the 19th century; the library contains around 400 printed volumes dating from the late 15th to the 19th century. The library’s historical scope therefore reaches further back, while the manuscripts form part of the diplomatic archive’s own collection. Visits are available by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Before travelling, check whether an appointment can be arranged for your preferred time.

The visitor centre for San Mauro del Cilento in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park is located at the Casalsottano primary school. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit. Another religious tradition leads to the Chapel of the Addolorata in the cemetery of San Mauro Cilento, which is a destination for pilgrimages for religious and penitential reasons. Visits to the Palazzo are available by request at one of two times of day: in the morning or afternoon. Before travelling, check which arrangements are currently in place. Visiting arrangements differ: visits to the Museo are by appointment on the specified days of the week; requests to visit the Palazzo can be made for the morning or afternoon. Take these different time frames into account when planning.

Cultural Interests and Choosing a Holiday Apartment

This allows you to weigh architecture, folk theatre, archival collections and religious traditions as different interests when choosing where to stay. If you want to include several themes in your plans, take both the usual carnival dates and the required visiting arrangements into account.

Discover more destinations: Casaburi, Piaggine, Sapri, Postiglione, Atena Lucana, Praiano, Cetara, Baronissi

For the main travel overview: Salerno.