Acquappesa (CS)
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Acquappesa (CS): A commune of Calabria, in the province of Cosenza.
Former Names (if any): Casaletto or Casalicchio
Region: Calabria │ Province: Cosenza
Coordinates: Lat. 39°29’40″N/Long. 15°57’10″E.
Location/Setting: Located 51 km NW of Cosenza, it is situated on a hill near the coastal highway #80 just S. of Cetraro. The communal territory contains the hot springs of Terme Luigiane (alt.146 m.), whose waters, rich in sulfur and iron, are used to treat rheumatic ailments. Part of the Comunità Montana dell’Appennino Paolano. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 9 – Montagna Litoranea di Paola.
Alt.: 80 m.
Area: 14.43 km².
Population: 2,037 (2006e)
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: Intavolata, Pantana-Santa Rosalia, San Iorio, Terme Luigiane.
Tel. Prefix: 0982
ISTAT: 87020
Name of Inhabitants: Acquappesani.
Patron Saint(s): (Feast Day:).
History: This commune is of relatively recent origins. It appears to have arisen in the late 17th or early 18th century under the name of Casaletto or Casalicchio. The area, however, has been inhabited since ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered Greek pottery dating from the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
In 1927, it was annexed by the neighboring commune of Guardia Piemontese, but became autonomous again in 1943.
Major earthquakes struck in 1854, 1887, and 1905.
Points of Interest:
Monuments: The Palazzo De Seta has an interesting portal.
There are some archaeological sites in the commune, mostly dating from Greco-Roman times.
Churches (& other religious sites): The church of S. Teresa Vergine (in the frazione of Intavolata) has a fine façade and a glass door created by Cesare Baccelli.
The other religious monument of interest is the 19th century parish church of Santa Maria del Rifugio. Among its treasures is an 18th century silver ostensorium.
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Acquarelli: (fl. c1640). Neapolitan painter. An architectural painter, he specialized in depictions of ornamental decoration from churches palaces, and theaters.