The territory of Acquaviva delle Fonti includes not only the central nucleus of the village, but also several hamlets, including Bellarosa, Notarangelo, Parco della Corte, Pratomastro and Quattro Cantoni. Despite the significant building expansion that has occurred in recent decades, the town still retains significant traces of its historical and cultural past, making a visit to this place a fascinating experience.
It is a town of 10,848 inhabitants. It is located on one of the highest terraces (297 m.) of the Murge region, in a small basin of clay-sandy soils, which interrupt the uniformity of the very permeable limestone mass. Therefore, Acquaviva is one of the few places in Puglia provided with drinkable water at limited depth (6-10 m.): hence the origin of the name.
History
The origins of Acquaviva delle Fonti are shrouded in various theories, but the most reliable indicate that the first settlements date back to the 4th-5th century BC, located near the Salentino hill, not far from the current town. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1976 revealed the existence of several homes, next to which human skeletons were found, a sign of a permanently settled community. The inhabitants of this first center, probably attracted by the fertility of the land and the richness of the spring water, moved downstream after having suffered devastation, perhaps due to barbarian incursions.
During the Middle Ages, Acquaviva was destroyed by the Barbarians, but was later freed by Emperor Louis II from the Lombards and Saracens. After this period, the village came under Norman rule, and was later governed by the Swabians, the Angevins and the Aragonese. After the Napoleonic wars, the city returned to the control of the Bourbons and, in 1861, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Italy.
To see
In the village of Acquaviva, one of the essential places to visit is the cathedral, dedicated to Sant'Eustachio, which represents one of the four basiliche palatine della Puglia. La costruzione di questa maestosa chiesa fu completata nel 1594 e venne consacrata nel 1623. Al suo interno, i visitatori possono ammirare un ambiente luminoso e colorato, caratterizzato da numerosi archi, volte a vela e una cripta suggestiva.
Another emblematic monument is the Clock Tower, whose current appearance is the result of a renovation that took place between 1824 and 1825, even if the original construction dates back to the early sixteenth century, commissioned by the Duke of Atri Andrea Matteo Acquaviva. On the largest bell there is the coat of arms of the Duke, dated 1559, which testifies to the historicity of the monument.
Among the notable architectures, Palazzo De Mari-Alberotanza stands out, built at the behest of Prince Carlo De Mari at the end of the 17th century. This palace, which integrates a tower of the former Norman castle, is attributed to the Genoese architect Riccobuono and has a façade decorated with a triple balcony and an elegant entrance door. The structure is composed of over one hundred rooms and boasts an internal courtyard with a loggia on the first floor, adorned with the heraldic coat of arms of the De Mari princes.
Another point of interest is the Cassarmonica, built in 1907 thanks to donations from citizens, who wanted to pay homage to the Gran Concerto Bandistico di Acquaviva, of great importance in that period. The work, made by the Bellini brothers of Bari in reinforced concrete, is adorned with a statue of Santa Cecilia and the profiles of famous Apulian musicians on the capitals.
You cannot miss a visit to the permanent archaeological exhibition “Salentino, the origins of the city”, which displays around 100 finds dating back to the period between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC, discovered during excavations conducted between 1976 and 1979.
To taste
Acquaviva delle Fonti is particularly renowned for its red onion, a local product with a characteristic purple color that lightens toward the inside until it becomes completely white. This onion is famous for its sweetness and typical flattened shape, and it is grown using traditional methods: it is sown in September and harvested in July and August. This product is so prized that it is recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. The Murgia Carsica Black Chickpea, also produced in Acquaviva, is also highly appreciated for its intense flavor and nutritional properties, being rich in fiber and iron.
The food and wine tradition of the municipality is completed by the Primitivo wine, produced with grapes that benefit from the calcareous soils and karst phenomena typical of the area. These three main products are celebrated in various food and wine festivals organized by the local Pro Loco in collaboration with the municipal administration and various local producers.
To do
The feast of Sant’Eustachio, the patron saint of Acquaviva, is the most significant event that recalls the traditions and origins of the community. It is celebrated every year on May 20 and, according to tradition, was designated by the Normans. In the cathedral, visitors can still see the relics of the saint, kept in an altar built with marble of fine quality.
Other important events in the Acquaviva calendar include the festival dedicated to Maria Santissima di Costantinopoli, which takes place on the first Tuesday of September, during which you can witness the traditional launch of the hot air balloon, and the Sagra del calzone di cipolla, which offers tastings of typical local dishes, thus helping to keep the local gastronomic culture alive.
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