Acerenza, Orazio's “eagle's nest” village

Acerenza, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, stands majestically atop a hill overlooking the Bradano and Basento valleys. Its origins date back to the Oscans, who called this place Akere, later Acherutia. The Latin poet Horace referred to it as Acherontia, emphasising its meaning of “high place”.

Its thousand-year history tells of glorious eras: in 318 BC, it was conquered by Rome, which built a temple to Hercules Acheruntinus there. Over the centuries, it became an episcopal see, welcoming the relics of St. Canio, and with the Normans, the splendid Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (1080) was built.

The beauties of the village

Perched on a tuff cliff over 800 metres high, Acerenza dominates the Bradano and Fiumarella valleys, earning it the Horatian nickname of “eagle's nest”. The village retains the layout of medieval citadels, with narrow alleys and picturesque views leading to its most precious gem: the 11th-century Romanesque-Cluniac cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and San Canio. Imposing and harmonious, it houses carved portals, Roman marbles, ancient tombstones and precious details such as frescoes, bas-reliefs and carved holy water fonts. Inside, the striking rose window stands out, projecting beams of light onto the high altar at sunset, as does the refined Renaissance crypt, commissioned by the Ferrillo counts and frescoed by Giovanni Todisco.

Walking around the cathedral, you will discover signs of distant eras: Greek fragments, noble coats of arms and the famous “Cassone di San Canio”, a sarcophagus that houses the relics of the patron saint. On leaving, the village reveals the charm of its 18th-century noble palaces, with carved portals and family coats of arms, the 16th-century palace of the former magistrate's court and the remains of the ancient Lombard-Norman-Swabian castle, now incorporated into the Curia.

Events in Acerenza

Acerenza preserves lively and engaging traditions. On 25 May, the Feast of San Canio is celebrated with a solemn procession of the patron saint through the streets of the village. This is followed on 13 June by the Feast of Sant'Antonio, also characterised by popular devotion. Summer lights up with Agosto Acheruntino (1-20 August), a music and art festival, and with the evocative historical re-enactment “Dai Longobardi ai Normanni” (From the Lombards to the Normans) (11-12 August), which brings the village to life with over 200 participants. Gastronomic traditions complete the experience: Aglianico del Vulture wine, Acheruntina sausage and soppressata, fragrant semolina bread and excellent extra virgin olive oil.

photo credits illpaxphotomatic