Known as the “cathedral city”, Acerenza spreads out on a plateau of tuff rock (tufo) 800m above sea level, between the Bardano and Fiumarella rivers, in the north-east of the province of Potenza. The Latin poet Horace, who came from nearby Venosa, referred to it as caelsae nidum Acherontiae, the “eagle’s nest of high Acerenza”.
The town has conserved the characteristics of a medieval city, with the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Canio Vescovo, which dominates from above, at its heart. The 9th century religious complex is Romanesque in style with Gothic influences: the exterior is studded with details, from apses to towers while the interior features three naves and a crypt from 1524 with frescoes by Giovanni Todisco da Abriola.
The narrow streets of the historical centre feature ancient noble residences such as the 16th century Palazzo that previously housed the Pretura, the Palazzo Loguercio Polosa and the Palazzo Gala whose stone portals are decorated with heraldic shields and sculptures.
Belvedere Torretta offers the best vantage point to see the entire town which is surrounded by extensive vineyards that produce Aglianico del Vulture wine.
Lucana Film Commission
Via Madonna delle Virtù snc — 75100 Matera (sede legale); Corso Garibaldi 139 — 85100 Potenza (uffici)
Phone: +39 0971 665034
Email: lucanafilmcommission@gmail.com
