Accadia (FG) (med. Eca):A commune (area: 30.47 km². alt. 650 m) of Puglia, in the province of Foggia. Located 51 km SW of Foggia, it is situated on a hill at the extreme end of the Subappennino Mountains, to the left of the torrent Frugna, near the border with Campania (province of Avellino). Population: 2,605 (2006e). Much of the communal territory is given over to fertile pastures. The economy of the commune is principally agricultural and pastoral.Part of the Comunità Montana Monti Dauni Meridionali.
Frazioni & Localities: Agata delle Noci.
CAP: 71021
Tel. Prefix: 0881
Name of Inhabitants: Accadiesi.
Patron Saint(s): San Sebastiano (Feast Day: Jan. 20).
History: The earliest roots of the center date back around the year AD 1000. By 1124, the center (then known as Eca) was a typical medieval settlement. It was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1456 and almost completely rebuilt. In 1640, the town became a fief of the powerful Caracciolo family of Balzo. Later in its history it passed to the Recco and Dentice families. In 1930, following another earthquake, the town was so damaged that most of the population chose to immigrate to new homes.
Major earthquakes occurred in 1456, 1459, 1694, 1732, 1851, 1893, 1910, 1930, 1948, 1962, 1980, and 1984.
Historical Population Figures:
|
1861 |
1871 |
1881 |
1901 |
1911 |
1921 |
1931 |
1936 |
1951 |
1961 |
1971 |
1981 |
1991 |
2001 |
|
4,214 |
4,398 |
4,535 |
4,780 |
5,527 |
5,154 |
5,289 |
5,166 |
5,247 |
4,854 |
3,990 |
3,562 |
3,107 |
2,702 |
Points of Interest: The forest of Difisa, located between Accadia and Delicato, contains many ancient oak trees and fresh water sources.
The neoclassical Monumental Fountain was completed during the reign of King Ferdinand II in 1836. Built from local stone, its most prominent feature is a set of four columns (each with a diameter of 50 cm) which support the fountain’s pediment.
The Torre Civica, built in 1883, rises to a height of 30 meters. Crowned with a statue of the Vergine dell’Immacolata, it houses a clock and a pair of bronze bells. The tower is also decorated by the town’s civic arms.
The old medieval section of the town, the Borge medievale, is entered through any of three archways, the most significant being the Arco Porta di Capo.
In the Piazza G. Matteotti is a monument dedicated to the citizens of the commune who died in past wars. Not far away is the Circolo Unione (formerly Circolo Vittorino Emanuel II) dedicated in 1878.
There still exist ruins of a medieval castle destroyed by the earthquake of 1456.
There are remains of the ancient Roman Via Appia within the center itself, while in the communal territory are some now-abandoned cave-dwellings similar to the famous Sassi of Matera.
The commune has a small communal museum.
The Sanctuary of Maria SS. del Carmine is situated on nearby M. Crispignano, at an elevation of 1,050 m. According to local tradition, the sanctuary is built on the site where the Virgin once appeared to a shepherd. Founded in the 13th century or 14th century, during the reign of either Charles I of Anjou or Robert the Wise. It replaced an earlier chapel dedicated to the Madonna di Crespo Piano that once stood on the site. Damaged by exposure to the elements and by earthquakes, the building has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, including major work done in 1964. The sanctuary has an interesting façade pierced by three doors. The altar is adorned with Gothic decoration.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Feast of S. Sebastiano: Jan. 20.
Easter Celebrations: Spring.
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine: 1st Sunday in May.
Procession honoring S. Antonio: June 13.
Procession honoring S. Vito: June 15.
Feast of Maria SS. del Carmine: July 16
Anniversario Incoronazione Maria SS. del Carmine: Aug 20-22.
Fair and Festival honoring SS. Vito e Antonio: 4th Sunday in Sept.