Centro Storico di Acerenza (PZ)

Acerenza's historic centre occupies a rocky spur above the Bradano and Fiumarella valleys. Its steep lanes, decorated portals, courtyards and fountains lead to the Romanesque-Norman cathedral that gives the town its “cathedral city” identity.

Why it matters

The historic centre preserves the built fabric of one of Basilicata's prominent hill towns. The regional tourism authority places Acerenza above 800 metres and records its Roman conquest in 318 BCE, its medieval importance and the Norman capture by Robert Guiscard in 1061. The old town is listed by I Borghi più Belli d'Italia.

What to notice

Decorated stone portals and fountains punctuate the lanes, many bearing the heraldic marks of local families. Palazzo Loguercio Polosa and Palazzo Gala retain internal courtyards. The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e San Canio crowns the settlement with a Romanesque-Norman facade and rose window. Other landmarks recorded by the municipality include the Chiesa del Calvario, the churches of San Vincenzo and the Annunziata, and the Fontana di San Marco.

Context and history

Ancient sources associated Acerenza with the name Acheruntia; the regional tourism authority records Horace's description of it as caelsae nidum Acherontiae. Rome took the settlement in 318 BCE, and the town later became a bishopric. After Robert Guiscard captured Acerenza in 1061, construction of the cathedral followed under Archbishop Arnaldo, who consecrated it in 1080. An earthquake damaged the town and cathedral in 1456, followed by rebuilding. The medieval centre's palaces and heraldry reflect the later rule of successive baronial families.