ACERENZA (Potenza) Basilicata - Italy

Altitude: 833 Meters above sea level

Population: 3,009

Distance from:  Potenza 35 - Matera 70 - Bari 120 - Metaponto 110 - Maratea 156

A SHORT HISTORY

Ancient Acheruntia was conquered by the Roman consul Giugno Bubulco in 318 B.C.

The consul Levino took refuge there after being defeated by Pirro at Eraclea in 280 B.C.

Situated at 800 meters above sea level, the city dominated the Via Appia, the Appia Traiana and the Via Erculea, and was strategically positioned to control the entire southeast of the peninsula.  Acerenza was immortalized in the literary works of Horace (“Caelsae Nidum”) and Livy (“Validum Oppidum”) and sanctified by St. Peter with the appointment of its first bishop, Ughisio.  The city was conquered by Totilio, king of the Goths, and later by the Longobards, who fortified it with mighty walls and a castle.  In 1061 it was reconquered by the Norman prince, Roberto il Guiscardo, and later became part of the possession of the Svevi, Angioini and Aragones dynasties.

CATHEDRAL AND HISTORIC CENTER

Acerenza’s historic center was nationally chosen as one of Italy’s top 50 most beautiful towns with population of less than 5000.In its characteristically medieval center the building which stands out among the rest is the Cathedral.  Called “the most Romanesque monument of the entire  Mediterranean area”, it resembles the Abbey of Cluny.  It’s construction began in 1080, under Archbishop Arnaldo.  The interior contains a splendid Renaissance crypt from 1524 and a marble bust of the emperor Julian, the Apostate, dated from the 4th Century.  Also in the historic center is a Longobard castle which is the site of the Museum of Sacred and Civil Art, a Franciscan monastery  from the end of the 15th century and the church of St. Laviero which contains a canvas by Donzelli from the 17th century.

FOLKLORE AND TRADITIONS

Aug.11&12: “From the Longobards to the Normans”, an historical reenactment in period costumes    with final presentation inside the cathedral.  Exhibits include: Museum of Peasant Culture  

and Museum of Wood Sculptures.

Last Saturday in April: Feast of the Virgin of the Coronation (in the countryside)

May 8:          Feast of St. Michael (in the countryside)

May 25         Feast of St. Canio, Patron Saint of Acerenza

Acheruntino August: Month of traditional medieval celebrations

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION