Palazzo Amarelli

Palazzo Amarelli in Rossano
Palazzo Amarelli, an important historical residence in Calabria, houses the Giorgio Amarelli Liquorice Museum in Rossano, which is the second most-visited company museum in Italy. This specialist museum displays all the tools used in the processing, marketing and extraction of the root from which liquorice is derived. Also on display are clothing, objects and manuscripts related to the Amarelli family, which has been involved in the production of the renowned liquorice plant for almost three hundred years. It holds the distinction of being Italy’s only museum dedicated to this theme.

Today, Palazzo Amarelli is open for museum visits and is also an ideal venue for exclusive private events.

The history of Palazzo Amarelli
The Palazzo, which is located on the Contrada Amarelli in Rossano, has always belonged to the ancient Amarelli family, whose family tree can be traced back to a mythical character named Ansoise, and whose first historically ascertained member was Alessandro, a crusader in 1101. This solid, imposing residence, primarily used as a defence of the surrounding territory, as evidenced by its fortified structures and numerous loopholes, could perhaps be identified with the Castle of Sant’Angelo. It was constructed in 1543 using the remains of the destroyed arsenal of the Republic of Turio, to defend itself from Turkish incursions. The complex in which the building is located is also of interest, as it reflects the transition from a society still structured according to ancient feudal systems to one that favoured forms of production aimed at the intensive exploitation of the land, thanks to 18th-19th century insights and 20th century technological innovations.

These historical residences became veritable production centres, with their own economic and social organisation and specific operational structure. Warehouses and workshops with machines for processing agricultural products and proto industrialisation were subsequently added to the main Villa, surrounded by an increasing number of lodgings for the workers: the “Concio” plant for the extraction of liquorice juice was born.

Facilities and services at Palazzo Amarelli
Breakfast and aperitifs are served at the Museum Café.

Private events are hosted in the Alessandro Amarelli Auditorium.

Guided tours can be reserved at the Liquorice Factory and Giorgio Amarelli Liquorice Museum.

Guided tours
The Amarelli Company, which has been active in Calabria since 1731, offers an opportunity to learn about a unique aspect of the economic and cultural history of this region, with historical content related to the economy of the southern part of Italy, as illustrated in the museum, as well as gaining firsthand knowledge of production and processing methods through a tour of the production facilities.
Admission is free of charge and includes a visit of the ancient “Concio” and the production facility, plus free sampling of the products in the shop attached to the museum.

The museum provides a full range of hospitality services, including ample parking for cars and coaches, restroom facilities, air-conditioned spaces, easy access for visitors with mobility issues and catering service at the Museum Café. Upon request, we can provide a fully equipped Auditorium for conferences and video presentations for up to 100 people.

Although there is no minimum or maximum number of participants, the group is divided up by Museum Assistants identified with badges, with a maximum of 30 people for the Museum and 50 for the production facility, to ensure a more efficient and well-organised visit.

Museum office
Director: Pina Amarelli, awarded the Order of Merit
Manager: Dr. Angela Zangaro Museum
Assistants: Dr. Claudia Aprigliano and Dr. Cinzia Calarota.

Places of interest in the vicinity
Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria.