Perched on a hill, in the middle of the Vallo di Diano, eighty kilometers south of the province of Salerno, Castello Macchiaroli, is one of the important fortresses of Southern Italy. Built during the Middle Ages, Castello Macchiaroli has been at the center of historical strife, including the Conspiracy of the Barons in 1485, when it belonged to the Sanseverino family. The Castello successfully overcame the two-month-long siege by armies of King Federico D'Aragona. The Macchiaroli family took ownership in 1860 and since has largely restored, transforming it into a fairytale residence.

In recent years, Gisella Macchiaroli has stewarded the Castello through restoration and renovation -- rebuilding the ancient walkway, returning the majestic towers to their former glory, and removing architectural barriers to make the Castello more accessible to everyone. Today, under Gisella’s guidance, the Castello is an elegant and refined residence for the Macchiaroli family and the center of historical re-enactments and cultural happenings for the community.

With the launch of BACAS, a new chapter was proposed for the Castello Macchiaroli -- one in which it becomes a place for artistic and cultural residency programs and laboratories.