Acquaformosa

Arbëreshë village in the Pollino National Park

Town

Acquaformosa - Regione Calabria

Nestled in the upper valley of the Esaro River, in the Pollino National Park in the province of Cosenza, Acquaformosa is a village with Italian-Albanian traditions, which still preserves the linguistic, religious and folkloric heritage of the Arbëreshë communities of Calabria.

Acquaformosa is part of the Eparchy of Lungro and is historically linked to the Norman foundation and possessions of the ancient Church of San Leucio (also known as the Abbey of S. Maria di Acquaformosa), of Cistercian origin.

The history of the Abbey of Acquaformosa, although now in ruins, bears witness to the political and spiritual prestige of the area since medieval times (1140). The first settlement developed around the Cistercian monastic community and was integrated over the years by the arrival of Albanian populations, who were responsible for the construction of the Church of St. John the Baptist (1500), which is now the main place of worship in Acquaformosa.

Here, the Greek-Byzantine rites of the Arbëreshë tradition are celebrated, in particular those linked to the saint's feast day (29 August), those of the typical Albanian Carnival, in which the "Vallje" (a dance commemorating Giorgio Castriota Scanderbeg's victory over the Turks) and Arbëreshë Easter are celebrated. These times of year are ideal for visiting the village of Acquaformosa and immersing yourself in the oriental atmosphere of traditional dances, music and costumes.

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