About

Mission

Palazzo Rinaldi aims to promote cross-cultural dialogue through the active exchange between its International resident artists and the Lucanian community, a range of multidisciplinary activities and events, and the fostering of an International artists' network.

Our Values

Palazzo Rinaldi hosts artistic experiences through sustainable and ecologically sound principles and practice. It is small scale, low impact, culturally sensitive, community-oriented and nature based.

These are some of the ways we are endeavoring to make Palazzo Rinaldi an eco-friendly residence:

Locally owned, small family management

All stationery and publicity material printed on 100% Eco-label paper

Recycling

Long life, low energy light bulbs

No disposable items such as soaps, plastic bags, cutlery or glasses

Local workmanship and materials used throughout the renovations, carried out respecting the identity of the house and its surroundings

Pure cotton towels and bed sheets used to minimise the risk of allergies

We use local seasonal produce, organic whenever possible

Towels changed twice a week to minimise water consumption

Environmentally friendly cleaning products

We take pride in showcasing our local natural, cultural and culinary heritage

Interaction between Residents and the local community is actively encouraged

We support the local industry by employing local traders and tourism professionals

We believe that Palazzo Rinaldi's commitment to sustainability adds a further dimension to our guests' Residency experience, enriching their sense of discovery of the local area, of its ecosystem and the ways it can be protected.

Noepoli, countryside in springtime

History

The earliest available documentation about Palazzo Rinaldi date the construction of the building back to 1822, with additional decorative and structural elements added in 1845. The Palazzo was the birthplace and long term home of leading XIX century jurist Antonio Rinaldi and is located right in the heart of the hilltop village of Noepoli, on the winding, cobbled street it gives its name to. The building's original features include the entry portal in finely sculpted local stone adorned with elegant decorative elements and the Rinaldi coat of arms positioned on its cornerstone. The crest (pictured left) displays two figures holding a weighing scale and a sword, representing justice and the law. A small dove hovers just above them, symbolising peace the magistrate brings to the citizenship. Towards the end of the 1800s, the Palazzo was endowed to the local family Calabrese. During those years Raffaele Calabrese, teacher and poet, enriched the private house collection with an outstanding collection of literary texts, periodicals and journals.

Noepoli in the early 1800s

The dramatic events of the 1900s - in particular the First World War and the widespread Spanish plague - brought tragic consequences. Following the deaths of the head of the family Giuseppe and his son Raffaele, the family was left struggling for survival and with no other option but see two of the children, Antonio and Nina, emigrate to the United States. After many years Palazzo Rinaldi was passed onto the heirs of the Calabrese family and is today owned by Raffele, Pina and Susanna Caprara. After living and working abroad in theatre and the Arts, the family began a project of restoration of the Palazzo, determined to preserve its historical legacy and to share with guests its beauty and tranquil, inspirational atmosphere. Palazzo Rinaldi today is an intimate yet vibrant Artists' Residence offering all the warmth of a family home, the peace of a country retreat and the uniqueness of its character.

Raffaele Calabrese (centre) with his students, 1922