Acri

The history of Acri, a town near the eastern border of the Sila National Park (Sila Greca) in the province of Cosenza, dates back to the Bronze Age. At the top of the town, the remains of the Castle of Acri (or Rocca dei Bruzii) testify to the vastness of a defensive structure now reduced to the Civic Tower (Pàdia Tower), the town's symbol.

Acri is famous for being the birthplace of Blessed Angelo d'Acri, after whom the basilica is named, one of the most important sites in the historic centre, with a 32-metre-high dome and two bell towers. Inside, there are 12 chapels arranged in two rows: the central one houses the bronze and glass urn with the blessed's relics, the vault is frescoed with scenes depicting his miracles. The mosaic composed by Father Ugolino da Belluno is worth admiring. 

What to see in Acri besides the Basilica of the Blessed Angelo? The museum of the same name, housed in a wing of the Convent of the Capuchin Friars, exhibits remains and relics of the Blessed, as well as a collection of documents and publications, paintings, statues and ancient texts, the Order's cultural heritage.

Other sacred places not to be missed during a visit to Acri are the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Church and Convent of San Francesco di Paola and the Church of the Madonna del Rinfresco.

Noteworthy are the imposing 17th century Palazzo dei Principi Sanseverino-Falcone, now home to the MACA - Museum of Contemporary Art of Acri, and Palazzo Feraudo, which houses the Museum of Rural Civilisation.

The Municipal Library is named after Vincenzo Padula, a poet and clergyman originally from Acri to whom the foundation of the same name dedicates an important Literary Prize, one of Acri's main events together with the "Siluna Fest", the festival that weaves together different artistic and cultural languages.