The rite of hand-kissing

Guided tour and performance with numerous costumed figures, choirs and musical groups

This event concentrates on the secular history of the Monastery of St. Benedict, the Apulian monastery that captured so much attention of historians that, during the centuries, they investigated the most secret aspects of its actions, its parchments, its nobility and its subjects.

The history of this monastery is characterized as having been a history of an enormous power–a great spiritual influence, connected to the inhabitants of nearby Castellana, that except for modest interruption was governed by the abbesses, uninterrupted from 1267 to 1810.

The rite of hand-kissing, notably, was an action of devotion and subjugation to the clergy of Badessale di Castellana Grotte, and the ceremony was held for every new Abbess. The guided tour interlaces purely informative moments with more spectacular moments, the center of which focuses on theatrical scenes, by actors and musicians. Their goal is to recreate in front of the public, a view of the epoch.

Location: Pinacoteca Comunale–Cathedral Basilica–Monastery of St. Benedict
When: In summer, in the placard of events of Armida. Reservations required (min. 40 participants)