Acerenza

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Comune di Acerenza
Municipal coat of arms
Country	Italy
Region	Basilicata
Province	Potenza (PZ)
Mayor
Elevation	833 m
Area	77 km²
Population
- Total (as of 2001)	3,010
- Density	39/km²
Time zone	CET, UTC+1
Coordinates	40°48′N, 15°57′E
Gentilic	Acheruntini
Dialing code	0971
Postal code	85011
Patron	St. Canio
- Day	May 25
Website: www.comune.acerenza.pz.it

Acerenza is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is bounded by the comuni (Municipalities) of Cancellara, Forenza, Genzano di Lucania, Oppido Lucano, Palazzo San Gervasio, Pietragalla.

[edit] History

With its strategic position 800 m above sea-level, Acerenza has been prized by a series of invaders.

In 318 BCE the town, then known as Aceruntia, was conquered by the Roman consul Giugno Bubulco. Later, it was taken by the Goths and then the Lombards, who fortified the town. In 1061, it was conquered again by the Norman Roberto il Guiscardo.

The town has been the see of an archbishop since at least 499, when a Justus is known. According to legend, the town's first bishop was appointed by St. Peter.

From the 16th Century, Acerenza was held under the feudal lordship of the Marquess of Galatone, that family being granted the title Duke of Acerenza on 12th April 1593 by Philip II of Spain. Through marriage the duchy of Acerenza was inherited by the family of the Prince Belmonte, in whose line the title has descended to the present day.

[edit] Main sights

• The Cathedral[1]], begun in 1080 by archbishop Arnando. It houses a famed marble bust of Julian the Apostate.

[edit] External links

• Acerenza
• 1911 Encyclopedia