La Congiura dei Baroni in Rocca Cilento

A 15th-century revolt retold where it happened

La Congiura dei Baroni is the historical re-enactment that brings one of the most dramatic episodes in the history of Southern Italy back to life every year in the village of Rocca Cilento (a hamlet of the municipality of Lustra, in the province of Salerno, Campania): the revolt of the feudal lords of the Kingdom of Naples against King Ferdinand I of Aragon, known as Ferrante. At the heart of the story is the figure of Prince Antonello Sanseverino, lord of Salerno and Cilento, who, after the failure of the conspiracy, took refuge in the castle of Rocca Cilento before heading into exile in France with his wife, Costanza di Montefeltro, and their young son.

The uniqueness of the event lies in its setting: it is not a reconstructed stage, but an authentic village with stone alleys and a fortress that, for one night, becomes the natural stage for its own history.

The village of Rocca Cilento and its castle

Perched at an altitude of over six hundred meters, the Castle of Rocca Cilento dominates the Alento valley with its pentagonal layout and a history rooted in the Early Middle Ages. For centuries, it was the heart of the Barony of Cilento and remained a strategic landmark until the modern era. Around its walls, a small village of narrow streets, arches, and stone houses developed, where the 15th-century Church of the Madonna della Neve also stands.

This scenery, one of the most evocative in the Cilento hinterland, hosts the re-enactment: the shows take place in the streets of the historic center and at the foot of the castle, with the panorama of hills sloping down toward the sea as a backdrop.

How the re-enactment unfolds

The format established in recent editions features an afternoon and evening of widespread entertainment throughout the village, with progressive public entry and a crescendo that culminates in the theatrical performance. Recurring elements of the event include:

• The historical pageant in period costumes that traverses the village and reaches the castle;
• Flag-wavers and musketeers, with their choreographies in the squares of the historic center;
• Archery shows and demonstrations of 15th-century weapons and military techniques;
• Medieval musicians and ancient dances performed by specialized groups;
• Street artists, fire-eaters, and performers who bring the alleys and squares to life;
• Traditional craft stations, with artisans at work using age-old techniques;
• The evening theatrical performance dedicated to the conspiracy, blending historical facts with the popular figures of 15th-century Cilento;
• Food and wine stands managed by local associations.

A network project involving six municipalities

Since 2025, the Rocca Cilento re-enactment has been the heart of a broader project titled «La Congiura dei Baroni e... altre storie» (The Conspiracy of the Barons and... other stories), funded by the Campania Region with FSC 2021/2027 funds. The Municipality of Lustra is the lead partner of a partnership that brings together six Cilento administrations: in addition to Lustra, Sessa Cilento, Rutino, Stella Cilento, Caselle in Pittari, and Camerota. The artistic direction is entrusted to maestro Mauro Navarra.

The project distributes musical and theatrical performances, historical and cultural itineraries, and appointments dedicated to local traditions throughout the summer and winter, with the goal of extending the tourist season of the Cilento hinterland beyond the beach months and introducing visitors to villages that remain off the beaten path.

Flavors and atmosphere of the Cilento hinterland

As in all Cilento festivals, the culinary aspect is not just a side note. The stands set up in the village offer traditional peasant dishes, from cheeses and cured meats to homemade pasta, accompanied by Cilento wines. It is an opportunity to taste a cuisine that has remained tied to seasonality and inland products, quite different from that of the coast.

When to go and who it is for

The event is traditionally held in August and is designed as a family-friendly appointment: children enjoy following the flag-wavers, archers, and fire-eaters, while adults appreciate the historical reconstruction and the discovery of a lesser-known village. Those vacationing on the Cilento coast, between Agropoli and Santa Maria di Castellabate, can reach Rocca Cilento in just over half an hour by car.