Acciano (AQ): A commune of Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila.
Former Names (if any):
Region: Abruzzo│ Province: L’Aquila.
Coordinates: Lat: N│ Long: E.
Location/Setting: Located 39 km SE of L’Aquila, it is situated on a high mountain spur, to the left of the river Ateno. Much of the commune is covered by oak forests. Part of the Comunità Montana Sirentina.
Alt.: 600 m.
Area: 32.36 km².
Population: 396 (2006e); 396 (2005).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: Beffi, Succiano, San Lorenzo and Roccapreturo.
CAP: 67020.
Tel. Prefix: 0864.
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Accianesi.
Patron Saint(s): S. Petronilla (Feast Day: May 31).
Economy: Primarily agricultural.
History: The place name is thought to derive from the Roman name Accius, suggesting that site once formed part of an ancient estate. The center was founded as a fortified stronghold by the Lombards during the 7th century AD. The original settlers were drawn from the centers of Campo Valentino (in the territory of Molina Aterno), S. Lorenzo, and Fontecupa. During the 14th century, it was given as a fief by Charles III of Durazzo to Matteo Gentile, brother of the bishop of L’Aquila. It later passed into the possession of the Piccolomini who continued to hold it until the late 18th century.
Historical Population Figures
|
1861 |
1871 |
1881 |
1901 |
1911 |
1921 |
1931 |
1936 |
1951 |
1961 |
1971 |
1981 |
1991 |
2001 |
|
2,098 |
2,096 |
2,228 |
2,317 |
2,367 |
2,179 |
2,006 |
1,906 |
1,703 |
1,311 |
991 |
742 |
538 |
401 |
Points of Interest:
The center retains its original plan with its three medieval town gates.
There are a number of private houses in the town containing architectural elements from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Medieval fortifications in the frazione of Roccapreturo include a ruined tower.
Watch towers and medieval remains in the frazione of Beffi were originally part of the defense network for the city of L’Aquila.
In the frazione of San Lorenzo is a ruined castle.
The 3-aisled parish church of SS. Pietro e Lorenzo (1534) 16th century wooden statues and a 17th century silver processional cross created by the Sulmonese School. There is an interesting Renaissance baptistery.
The Romanesque-Baroque church of S. Pietro contains a fine Renaissance terracotta statue of the patron saint.
The church of Congregazione del’Addolorata was founded in 1786.
The church of the Madonna delle Grazie dates from the 10th to 15th centuries.
The principal religious monument in the frazione of Beffi is the church of the Madonna del Rifugio.
The principal religious monuments in the frazione of Roccapreturo are the churches of S. Sebastiano, S. Maria Lauretana, and the Madonna di Loreto.
In the frazione of San Lorenzo are the churches of SS Trinità and San Lorenzo (14th century).
In the communal territory are a number of churches: Madonna di Petronilla (12th century), S.Antonio (ruined), S.Maria del Campo (ruined), S. Erasmo, Madonna della Valle, S. Giovanni, S. Michele, Madonna della Sanità, Madonna degli Angeli, S. Lucia, Madonna di Santa Petronilla.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Festival of the Madonna della Valle: Holy Week (Monday & Tuesday).
Feast of S. Petronilla: May 30-31.
Festival of S. Erasmo: 1st Sunday of June, includes a procession to Monte Offermo.
Feast of arrosticini (roasting), truffles and wine: July 29 to 31.
Fair: 1st Sunday in November, in the frazione of Beffi.