What to see in Acri, a village full of hidden treasures

If you want to discover the history of Acri, a town located near the eastern border of the Sila National Park in the province of Cosenza, you have to go back in time.

Although in ancient times the Sila Greca plateau on which the town stands was not easy to reach, traces dating back to the Bronze Age testify to its frequentation, as do the legendary remains of Pandosia Bruzia. What to see in Acri? First of all, the places and works that tell of the life of the blessed Angelo d'Acri, a religious figure around whom much of Acri's history develops, and the reasons that make it worth a trip.

We have seen that Acri's history has ancient origins, but it was in the Middle Ages that, like many towns in inland Calabria, it developed according to the urban planning model linked to the main institutions of the time: the feudal lords, the Sanseverino-Falcone princes above all, and the monastic orders, particularly the Capuchins, Franciscans and Dominicans.

The history of Acri and the marvellous works of art that can still be admired today revolve around these two nuclei: the noble palaces that embellish the centre; the remains of the Castle of Acri (or Rocca dei Bruzii), testimony to the original fortress of which the Civic Tower, symbol of the town, remains today; the convents, chapels and churches dedicated to illustrious religious figures, starting with the blessed Angelo d'Acri. 

Born Lucantonio Flacone, the blessed Angelo d'Acri is the owner of the Basilica of the Blessed Angelo, one of the most important sites in the city 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 beato's relics, the vault is frescoed with scenes depicting his miracles. The mosaic composed by Father Ugolino da Belluno is worth admiring.

The Museum of Blessed Angelo d'Acri, housed in a wing of the Capuchin Friars' Convent, exhibits more of his relics and memorabilia, as well as a collection of documents, publications, paintings and statues that make up the Order's rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Two other important personalities tell the story of Acri: the patriot Giovan Battista Falcone, one of the protagonists of the Sapri Expedition, to whom a monument in the old town centre and the Risorgimento Museum are dedicated; and the presbyter and man of letters Vincenzo Padula, author of several essays and poetry collections.

The Padula National Prize, one of Acri's most important events, organised by the foundation of the same name, is dedicated precisely to the poet-educator and each year hosts salient names from the Italian cultural panorama, from the world of cinema to that of literature.

If you are wondering what to see in Acri while strolling through the historical centre, know that among the main sacred places not to be missed 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 numerous noble palaces, each linked to one of the families that have contributed to writing Acri's history: Palazzo Dodaro and Palazzo Civitate, located in the ancient medieval district of Pàdia; Palazzo Julia (15th century), the birthplace of Vincenzo Padula; and the imposing Palazzo dei Principi Sanseverino-Falcone (17th century), today home to MACA - Museum of Contemporary Art of Acri.

What to see in Acri in other cultural venues? The Museum of Rural Civilisation, at Palazzo Feraudo, and the "Padula" Municipal Library.

A good time to visit Acri is during the "Siluna Fest", the festival that weaves together different artistic and cultural languages.