Naples – A new chapter opens in the legal battle for the “Castle of Ceremonies”, a historic place symbol of Neapolitan tradition, confiscated after a long judicial process.
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La Court of Appeal of Rome, IV Criminal Section, will be called to evaluate the request for tomorrow revocation of confiscation, advanced by the defense of Concetta Polese, better known as “woman Imma”.
Leading the pool of lawyers is theLawyer Dario Vannetiello, new defender of Polese, who – together with the professors Andrea Castaldo e Veronica Paturzo (legal of Agostino Polese) – aims to overturn a now definitive sentence.
The strategy is based on seven new tests, emerged after meticulous research work, in addition to elements that already existed but had never been previously evaluated.
The issue of illegal subdivision
The confiscation of the Castle, the seat of the Neapolitan Song Festival and frequented by stars like Sofia Loren e Diego Maradona, had been arranged for illegal subdivision. But the defense now claims that the building works they have not altered the territory, nor caused damage to the landscape and environment. In support of this thesis, two technical advice (urban planning and geology) and video shoot.
Not only that: the lawyers even contest the prescription of the crime, arguing that the trial should never have started. A tall order, given that revisions of final sentences are rarely granted. But the defense is prepared to take the fight to the Supreme Court, in case of rejection.
The race against time to save the Castle
Meanwhile, the Castle – still operational today – risks closure due to the revocation of licenses hotel and catering. The Administrative Court it will be pronounced 5nd June, but any recourse to the Council of State could prolong the agony at least until end of 2025.
At stake are hundreds of jobs and a piece of Italian history. The place, also made famous by the TV program of the same name, represents a business symbol built in 50 years of sacrifices, started with Antonio Polese, the “Boss of Ceremonies”.
The appeal to save a legacy
Many, including customers and fans, hope that the Castle can continue to write its history. There are those who have launched heartfelt appeals, stressing that certain Entrepreneurial skills cannot be bought: they are the fruit of experience and passion.
Article published on 2 April 2025 - 19:15
The Castello delle Cerimonie is a complex situation, subdivision and confiscation are delicate issues. I hope that the defense will be able to bring convincing evidence to demonstrate that there has been no damage, it is a heritage to be safeguarded.