For the Grand Hotel La Sonrisa, the famous structure of Sant’Antonio Abate made popular by the television programme The Castle of Ceremoniesthe future appears increasingly uncertain. A signal comes directly from the online booking system: when trying to reserve a room, both for the summer and for the next few months, the same message always appears communicating the absence of availability.
A detail that fuels doubts about the fate of the Polese family structure, already at the center of a long legal battle. In recent days the Council of State has in fact rejected the appeal presented by the owners against the decision which had confirmed the revocation of the authorizations by the Municipality.
The judicial case
The basis of the ruling is the final ruling of February 2024 which established that part of the premises of the structure are devoid of the necessary tourist-accommodation destination. Consequently, while remaining formally open, La Sonrisa could not carry out hotel and restaurant activities.
Also included in this context is the impossibility of making reservations via the official website, although the location continues to occasionally host events. Just in recent days, for example, an event dedicated to Neapolitan traditions and superstition took place.
The next steps
However, the story is not yet over. On 9 July the Supreme Court will be called to rule on the appeals presented by the Polese family’s lawyers, while a public hearing is scheduled for 24 November to address the merits of the issue.
At the same time, the structure’s lawyers also brought the case to the European Court of Human Rights. However, the timing of European justice appears incompatible with a short-term solution and is unlikely to have an impact on the current tourist season.
The workers’ appeal
Of greatest concern is the fate of the employees. Among the voices that have been raised in defense of the structure is that of Gaetano Nino Davide, the historical face of The Castle of Ceremonieswho launched an appeal on social media for the protection of workers.
“Your life’s work deserves respect and protection, it cannot be suddenly canceled,” he wrote, asking the institutions not to forget the people who have worked within the structure for years.
While the appeals continue and the next decisions from the courts are awaited, for La Sonrisa the room for maneuver seems to be increasingly restricted, leaving open questions about the future of one of the symbolic places of Neapolitan ceremonies.
