The building was opened in 1879 as a Municipal Theatre.
After the First World War, the theater began to decline, being used during the Fascist era for regime meetings. During the Second World War, it sustained damage and was later transformed into the Palace of the City in 1946, with further additions in the following years.
Inside the Palace of the City there is the "Pergamena Bianca" (the "White Parchment"), which is still preserved today. It was granted by the King of Naples, Ferdinand I, to the City of Cava on September 4, 1460, as a reward for their loyalty to the Kingdom of Aragon and King Ferrante I of Aragon, who did not bow to Charles of Anjou. The citizens were allowed to write any request on the parchment, and the king would respond. However, the city chose not to write anything. As a result, the parchment remains blank and has been a closely guarded secret for centuries.
Since 1972, the "Disfida dei Trombonieri" (literally, the "Challenge of the Trombonieri") has celebrated this historical event every year with a folk festival, during which participants dressed in period costumes parade and compete in a contest between the four quarters of the Aragonese town. The winning district receives the White Parchment, which is kept until the next edition.
Piazza Eugenio Abbro, 1
T. Cuomo
On-street parking
Line: no.4 - n.9
