Acerenza

Acerenza is a town with 2501 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012) in the province of Potenza, Basilicata. In Acerenza vines are grown for the red wine Aglianico del Vulture.

The neighboring municipalities are Cancellara, Forenza, Genzano di Lucania, Oppido Lucano, Palazzo San Gervasio and Pietragalla.

History

Due to its strategic position at 800 meters above sea level Acerenza was the coveted prey of many invaders. In the year 318 BC, the city, then Aceruntia was conquered by the Roman consul Junius Bulbuco. He was later occupied by the Goths and the Lombards, who Acerenza finally fixed. 1061 was the conquest by the Normans under Robert Guiscard.

Since at least 499 was Acerenza seat of an archbishop, according to legend the first Bishop was appointed by Simon Peter. From the 16th century Acerenza was the property of the Marchese di Galatone, which on April 12, 1593 granted the title of Duke of Acerenza Philip II of Spain. The title came by marriage to the Prince of Belmonte, in whose family he is still out.

Attractions

  • The cathedral, the start of construction in 1080, with a famous marble bust of the Emperor Julian

Demographics

26687
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