Anzi
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Anzi (anc. Anxia, Anxa, Ancie)(PZ): A commune (area: 76.74 km²; alt. 1,006 m) in the province of Potenza. Located 28 km SE of Potenza, it is situated on a slope to the left of the river Anzi. The communal territory contains large areas of forest and pastures. Population: 2,158 (1991). The economy is based largely on livestock and agriculture (grapes, cereals), although tourism has become increasingly important.
History: Pre-Roman Anxia was a noted center for the manufacturing of Lucanian red-figure ceramics. Although the population eventually became a mixture of Oscans and Greeks, the town retained its native Italic culture, with little Greek influence. The town enjoyed a high level of prosperity under the Romans, thanks in large part to its location on an important road.
In medieval times, it was developed as a stronghold by the Lombards and the Normans. There is some evidence that natives of the town participated in the First Crusade. It eventually became a fief for a series of noble families. In 1574, it was purchased by Ottavio Carafa, who derives from it the title of Marchese di Anzi. The town remained a property of his descendents until feudalism was ended in 1806.
In 1799, it was a strong supporter of the short-lived Parthenopean Republic. Later, in 1807-08, a French garrison was placed there as protection from local brigands. Anzi was a center for the anti-Bourbon Carbonari movement.
Major earthquakes were felt here in 1857 and 1860.
Points of Interest: There are a number of remains dating back to the Roman epoch.
The church of S. Giuliano, constructed between 1828 and 1855, sits on the site of an earlier church destroyed in 1510. The interior is decorated with artwork from the 18th century. In the presbytery is an 18th century painting depicting the Death of the Virgin by Leonardo Olivieri. The reliquary bust of S. Giuliani dates from the late 17th century.
The 15th century church of S. Lucia has an altarpiece by Pietrafesa depicting the Madonna and Child between Saints John and Charles, and the Holy Trinity amid angels and Saints Peter and Paul. There is also a 1653 wall hanging showing the Dead Christ. On the left altar is a 16th century sculpture of the Madonna with Child. Nearby is another painting by Pietrafesa of the Trinity and the Incarnation of the Virgin.
The chapel of S. Maria includes a fine portal from 1526. The interior is decorated with a series of frescoes by Giovanni Todisco (1555) depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and of the Virgin and Prophets. A 1558 painting of the Resurrection by a student of Todisco decorates the right nave that houses the tombs of the Greco family. The church also contains a 15th century wooden crucifix, housed in a niche decorated with contemporary frescoes og the Sorrowing Mary, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. John the Evangelist. The main altar is decorated with a polytyptic of the enthroned Madonna of the Rosary, thought to to be the work of Michele Monchelli.
The 13th century church of S. Domenico includes a semicircular apse and an interesting Gothic window.
There are remains of a much-ruined medieval castle.
The Palazzo Fittipaldi, constructed in the early 19th century, has a neo-classical interior.
Culture: The feast day of the town’s patron, S. Donato, is celebrated between August 5 and 8. The celebration includes processions and the lighting of bonfires. Musical performances take place in the evenings.
The festival of S. Antonio takes place on June 12 and 13, and includes bonfires and a horserace.
The festival of S. Rocco is celbrated on August 16.