Acragas (Akragas; Lat. Agrigentum): Ancient Greek name for Agrigento. It was second in power and wealth in ancient Greek Sicily only to its rival Syracuse. At its height of power and wealth, Acragas had a population of about 200,000, although only c20,000 of these held full rights as citizens. Acragas derived its great wealth from exports of grain, wine and olive oil. The origin of the city’s name is uncertain. One of the many theories is that it derives from Akragante, identified in some myths as the city’s founder.
Acragas, River: Ancient name for the small river S. Biagio (formerly Girgenti) in southern Sicily. It emptied into the Africum pelagus below Agrigentum.
Acri (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza.
Region: Calabria. Province: Cosenza.
Elevation: 720 m. Area: 198.58 km². Population: 21,468 (2006e); 21,669 (2004). Pop. Density: 110/km² (2004).
Coordinates: Lat. 39°29’38” N/Long. 16°23’4″ E.
Location & Setting: Located 38 km. NE of Cosenza, it is situated along the left bank of the river Mucone, at the edge of the Sila. Part of Comunità Montana Destra Crati. Part of Regione Agraria n. 3 – Sila Greca. Part of Parco Nazionale della Sila.
Frazioni: Calamia, Casalinella, Cerasello, Chimento, Cuta, Duglia, Ferrante, Foresta, Gioia, Guglielmo, Macchia, Montagnola, Pagania Vallonecupo, Pagania Vallonecupo II, Pantalia, Pantano d’Olmo, Pertina, Piano d’Arnice, Pietramorella, Pietremarine, Policaretto, Salici, San Benedetto, San Giacomo, San Martino, Seggio, Serricella, Sorvo, Ternita, Timpone Morte, Vagno, Vallonecupo.
Tel. Prefix: 0984. Postal Code: 87041.
Population Designation: Acresi.
Patron Saint (s): Bl. Angelo. Feast Day: Oct. 30.
History: Acri’s history has been one of numerous battles, the most significant occurring in 1806. It was long held as a fief by the Princes of Bisignano.
Major earthquakes struck in 1836, 1887, 1905, 1908, 1913, 1930, 1947, and 1980.
Historic Population Figures: 12,032(1861); 13,132(1901); 14,252(1921); 20,239(1951); 20,615 [1971]; 21,189(1981); 21,891 (2001); 23,190 [2004].
Famous Natives & Residents:
Points of Interest:
Historical Sites and Monuments: Neolithic remains have been discovered in the area.
The center still contains traces of ancient walls. The principal monument is a 17th century Palazzo of the Princes of Bisignano.
There is a ruined 15th century castle.
The Palazzo dei Sanseverino was built by the Princes of Bisignano during the 14th and 16th centuries. It was extensively restored in 1720 by Stefano Mangerio. It has some interesting frescoes featuring allegorical figures of Time and Eternity.
Churches and Religious Sites: The Romanesque Mother Church of S. Maria Santissimma stands on the sites of an early Christian sanctuary.
The Chiesa Parrocchiale was reconstructed in the 18th century upon the remains of an earlier structure. Its interior contains some excellent paintings.
Other important churches are those of the 18th century Cappuccini church (formerly of S. Chiara)(18th century), with some fine wooden statues and oil paintings; the 16th century church of S. Francesco da Paola (restored in the 18th century) and the 15th century church of S. Nicola di Salas.
Events:
Festival of S. Giuseppe- Mar. 19.
Festival of Bl. Angelo- Oct. 30.
Economy: It is an important agricultural trade center dealing in wine, olives, salted meats (sausage), cattle and pigs. An important hydroelectric station is located here. Acri is a trade center for salted meats (sausage), cattle, swine, olive oil and wine.
Acri, Francesco: (b. 1836, Catanzaro. d. 1913, Bologna). Philosopher. He began his teaching career as a professor at the University of Palermo. In 1871, he taught the history of philosophy at Bologna. He opposed the concepts of Idealism and Positivism, preferring mysticism and Platonic doctrines. His most important philosophical work was the Abbozzo d’una teoria delle idee (1870). Acri also made an important contribution to the study of legends. He produced significant studies of both Italian and classical traditions. He was an expert on the works of Plato. Among Acri’s other works were Videmus in aenigmate (1907), Amore, dolore, fede (1908), Dialettica turbata (1911), and Dialettica serena (posth.1917).