| Acerenza | |
| Official Name: | Comune di Acerenza |
| Coordinates: | 40.7969°N 15.9407°W |
| Region: | Basilicata |
| Province: | Potenza (PZ) |
| Mayor: | Fernando Scattone |
| Area Total Km2: | 77 |
| Population Total: | 2268 |
| Population As Of: | 31 December 2019 |
| Population Demonym: | Acheruntini |
| Elevation M: | 833 |
| Saint: | St. Canio |
| Day: | 25 May |
| Postal Code: | 85011 |
| Area Code: | 0971 |
Acerenza (Lucano: Neapolitan: Lagerénze) is a town and comune in the province of Potenza, in the Southern Italian region of Basilicata. It is one of I Borghi più belli d'Italia ("The most beautiful villages of Italy").[1]
With its strategic position 800m (2,600feet) above sea-level, Acerenza has been sacked by a series of invaders.
The town, then known as Aceruntia, Acheruntia or Acherontia, was conquered by the Romans in 318 BC. Later, it was taken by the Ostrogoths (it was mentioned as an important fortress during the Gothic Wars) and then the Lombards, who fortified the town. In 788 Charlemagne ordered that its walls be destroyed. In 1041, after a period in which it was fought over by the Principality of Salerno and the Byzantine Empire, it was conquered again by the Norman Robert Guiscard.
The town has been the see of an archbishop since at least 499, when a Justus is known. According to legend, the town's first bishop was appointed by St. Peter.
From the 16th century, Acerenza was held under the feudal lordship of the Marquess of Galatone, that family being granted the title Duke of Acerenza on 12 April 1593 by Philip II of Spain. Through marriage the duchy of Acerenza was inherited by the family of the Prince Belmonte, in whose line the title has descended to the present day.
The movie From the Vine is set in Acerenza.