The Ducal Palace of the Cantelmo family in Atina: A Fortress of History and Art
The Ducal Palace, also known as Cantelmo Palace, dominates the old town of Atina with its elegant silhouette. Located at the highest point of the town, in Piazza Saturno, the building stands on the site of the ancient Roman Atina, representing a perfect synthesis of the imperial past and medieval Gothic architecture.
Origins and Gothic Architecture
Construction of the palace began around 1349-1350 at the behest of the Duke Cantelmo. Two centuries later, the historian Julius Prudentio called it “a Court in the shape of Alvito Castle, convenient for the Captain and others”.”, emphasising its dual residential and defensive nature.
The building has a quadrangular ground plan and an imposing Gothic style:
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The Façade: It is protected by two projecting towers on the corners of the east side (the oldest core) and softened by three elegant mullioned windows on the main floor and splayed rose windows. The wall face is in rusticated stone.
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The Portal: A large pointed doorway in stone blocks forms the main entrance.
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Roman finds: The structure incorporates valuable elements from the Roman period (spolia). The portal is surmounted by a bas-relief from a funerary monument from the early imperial period. On the sides are an inscription with a Doric frieze (from a late republican monument) and a statue of a togatus (with an irrelevant head).
Historical Events: From Cantelmo to the Municipality
The history of the palace is a succession of noble owners and changes of use:
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The Cantelmo family (1359-1458): It was their home until they lost the Lordship of Atina following a rebellion.
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The Age of the Viceroys (15th-18th centuries): Around 1490 it passed from Ferdinand I of Aragon to Count Diomede Carafa of Maddaloni. Subsequently, it belonged to the d'Aquinos, the Borgias and the Dukes of Montecalvo. During this long period, it was occasionally inhabited, often serving as a residence for lieutenants, masters of the field and as the seat of the Curia.
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The Decline and Rebirth (19th century): At the end of the 18th century, the building was abandoned. It passed to Giuseppe Fanelli of Naples and, in 1847, to the Paniccia of Vicalvi.
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The Public Acquisition: In 1850, the Decurionate of Atina proposed the purchase of the property for 2,000 ducats, a transaction that was completed in 1870. From then on it became the seat of the municipality.
Civil Uses: Theatre, Cinema and Prison
The palace was not only a noble residence.
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Theatre and Cinema: In 1655, the reception hall was converted into a theatre, renovated in 1786 and in 1912. The hall housed the first screening of silent films in 1912 and continued to function as a cinema-theatre until 1939.
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Prison: From 1870 to 1943, part of the building was used as a Mandamental Prison.
Unfortunately, between 1850 and 1949, the building underwent heavy alterations for practical purposes and significant damage due to the earthquake of 1915 and the World War II (which affected the roof and interior). Major renovations were led by Ing. Cherubino Malpeli after the war, and the latest restoration dates back to 2009.
Interior Treasures: Mosaics and Frescoes
Despite the vicissitudes, the palace holds priceless treasures:
The Mosaic Salon
The main hall now houses a splendid black and white Roman tesserae mosaic. Discovered in Via Virilassi in 1946, the work depicts a warrior (or gladiators) in four different assault/fighting positions, evidence of the wealth of Roman Atina.
The Chapel of Sant'Onofrio
The main floor is accessed by the Cappella Palatina, un ambiente absidato di grande suggestione.
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Affreschi: La lunetta d’ingresso ospita un affresco della seconda metà del XIV secolo raffigurante la “Madonna col Bambino e San Giovanni Battista”. All’interno si trovano altri affreschi del ‘400 realizzati da pittori campani.
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Curiosità: Erano i baroni a scegliere il cappellano; un documento del 1637 cita Don Giovanni Battista Palombo, presentato dal Duca di Alvito Francesco Gallio.
Dal 1978 al 1993 l’ala orientale ha ospitato il Museo Civico Archeologico e la Biblioteca. Oggi il Palazzo Ducale è la sede del Municipio e un vivace centro culturale per mostre, conferenze e manifestazioni.
