“The Seals of the Popes” witnesses of a thousand-year history: an unpublished exhibition at the State Archives of Salerno

“I Sigilli dei Papi” (The Seals of the Popes) is coming to Salerno for the first time, an unprecedented exhibition that explores the fascinating universe of papal diplomacy through an unpublished collection of papal seals in wax, lead and precious metals, authentic witnesses of the thousand-year history of the Church. The exhibition will be set up in the State Archives of Salerno, in Piazza Abate Conforti 7, from 17 to 30 May, with free admission. The official inauguration of the exhibition is scheduled for Saturday 17 May at 10 am. On this occasion, the volume I Sigilli dei Papi (The Seals of the Popes), written by Alessio Scarpa, will be presented, the result of years of study dedicated to a theme as specific as it is rich in meaning. The book represents a journey through time through the material testimonies left by the pontiffs over the centuries, recounting not only the technical evolution of the seal, but also the historical, religious and political context that determined its shape and use. The exhibition, which for the first time makes such a significant selection of papal seals accessible to the public, aims to recount the technical, symbolic and juridical evolution of the papal chancellery. Through details finely engraved in wax, lead or noble metals, each seal becomes a gateway to the history of the Church and the papacy, helping to reconstruct events, authorities and spiritual meanings. The installation is designed to offer an immersive experience capable of bringing together scholars, history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.