Signs of history, devotion and sometimes superstition, are often painted with the colors of the spontaneity of the people as emphasized by the Lucanian writer Raffaele Riviello and are housed in the diocesan museums of Basilicata. The diocesan museum of Acerenza constitutes an important treasure chest of liturgical vestments, wooden and marble sculptures, paintings on canvas and panel, Neapolitan silverware from the 18th century, manuscripts from churches of the diocese, wooden sacred-themed carvings by local artisans. The preserved artifacts, dating back to different historical periods, fascinate as expressions of the life experiences and spirituality of monks, Benedictines and Franciscans, priests and holy bishops.
Among the materials found in the area and datable to the 9th century BC – 4th century AD, displayed in the archaeological and lapidary section, there is a marble bust of Emperor Julian the Apostate (331-363) originally placed on the façade of the cathedral because it was believed to be St. Canio, bishop of Iuliana in Africa, whose body was brought to Acerenza where he became the patron saint of the city.
Information about the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Acerenza
Largo del Seminario, 2 85011 Acerenza (Potenza) 0971749221; 0971741299 curia.acerenza@tiscali.it Source: MIBACT
