Welcome to the Casa in Via Marchesano, where history and tradition are intertwined with the present. Located in the heart of Orria, I am Caterina’s home and represent an important piece of local history.
My Origins
My original construction dates back to 1928, built by Maio Angelina on land belonging to the Lancellotti family, the lords of the village at that time. From the beginning, I played a crucial role in the life of the community.
An Aggregation Centre: The Dopolavoro
In 1935, I was turned into a ‘Dopolavoro’, a place where children, young people and the elderly met in the evenings to spend pleasant hours together. At a time when even the youngest children worked in the fields with their parents and grandparents, these evenings were essential for socialisation. Listening to grandparents tell stories and legends from their youth was a magical experience for the youngsters.
The Marchesano Bar: A Meeting Place
From 1960 to 1975, I hosted the Bar Marchesano, a landmark for the community. I fondly remember Angelina and Giovanni, always welcoming, and Bernardo, always cheerful and playful. The wooden tables and chairs were the stage for lively card games, while the children enjoyed table football and pinball. The bar was a place where people lived like one big family. During the day, in front of the bar, children amused themselves with old-fashioned games, showing their creativity and inventiveness.
The de Luca Family: A New Chapter
Today, they are the home of the de Luca family, who moved here from Sorrento for work. On the ground floor there is still a large stone cellar, once used to store wine and oil. I love listening to Caterina’s fantasy tales, the stories she invents playing with her Barbie dolls. However, times have changed and silences are often long, as today we interact mainly through technology. I am sure that as Caterina grows up, she will fill these walls with laughter and happiness.
Author of the drawing: Caterina de Luca, 7 years old.
Project coordinators: Domenica and Ornella Mastrogiovanni, Adele Missano.