Sussurri al Castello

Some places preserve history. Others continue to tell it.

In Ceppaloni, as the sun begins to set behind the ancient walls of its medieval castle, something truly remarkable happens. The stones no longer speak only of the past; they become voices, memories and gateways between history and imagination.

This is where Whispers at the Castle (Sussurri al Castello) comes to life, a cultural project conceived by Giovanni Calicchio, President of Associazione Immaginaria ETS, who envisioned the Castle of Ceppaloni as a place for immersive storytelling. His goal was to restore the cultural depth of an ancient tradition, presenting it with authenticity rather than reducing it to simple folklore.

Alongside him, the invaluable work of Jenny Capozzi, historian and researcher, together with Antonella Vegliante, has helped shape an initiative that places the memory and identity of the territory at its very heart. More than organising an event, they have created a genuine cultural experience—one that encourages visitors to rediscover the true meaning of the Janara, restoring historical dignity to figures that have too often been simplified or misunderstood through popular tradition.

According to Jenny Capozzi, Ceppaloni is the ideal setting for telling the story of the Janare. Situated on the historical boundary between the Sannio and Irpinia regions, the village has long been a crossroads of cultures, stories and traditions. Here, the very concept of a "border" becomes symbolic: a place suspended between history and legend, reality and imagination, where ancient narratives continue to shape the identity of the community.

Throughout the event, the figure of the Janara is reinterpreted from a fresh perspective, far removed from stereotypes and sensationalism. Rather than embracing the imagery often associated with Halloween or popular superstition, the experience invites visitors to reflect on the lives of women who were often labelled as witches simply because they were independent, knowledgeable and deeply connected to traditional rural wisdom.

It is a narrative that moves beyond the mystical, restoring humanity to women whose stories deserve to be understood rather than mythologised. In doing so, the Castle becomes a place of knowledge, dialogue and cultural rediscovery.

It is no coincidence that this experience takes place in Ceppaloni. The medieval castle, the historic centre, the nearby Stretto di Barba, the breathtaking landscape of the Valle del Sabato, and a community eager to rediscover and share its roots make this village one of the most meaningful places in the Sannio for preserving and celebrating its intangible cultural heritage.

Throughout the four-day event, the Castle comes alive with theatrical performances, immersive installations, educational workshops, artisan markets, book presentations and a traditional tavern inspired by medieval and rural cuisine. Every corner of the fortress becomes part of the story, inviting visitors to experience history not as spectators, but as participants.

More than a historical reenactment, Whispers at the Castle is an invitation to discover the Sannio through new eyes. Because legends do not belong only to the past—they continue to live whenever someone chooses to preserve and share them with respect, knowledge and a genuine love for their land.