Aprigliano
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Aprigliano> (anc. Aprilianum)(CS): A commune (area: 121.27 km²; alt. 718 m) in the province of Cosenza. Located 16 km SE of Cosenza, it is situated to the right of the river Craticello, a tributary of the Crati. Population: 2,830 (2006e). The commune is mostly agricultural, large areas of which are devoted to fruit orchards and vineyards.
History: During medieval times a center called Aprilianum existed here.
The town’s most famous native was the poet Domenico Piro.
Points of Interest: Near the center is the hermitage of S. Martino. Inspired by 11th century French monastic architecture, it has a single nave, a wide transept, and three semicircular apses. Tradition states that Abbot Gioacchino da Fiore (Joachim of Fiore) died here in 1202.
Culture: The festival of Santa Maria Assunta is celebrated on August 15 in the frazione of Vico.
The festival of San Rocco is celebrated on August 16 in the frazione of Grupa.
The festrival of the Madonna di Porto Salvo occurs on the second Sunday of September in the frazione of San Stefano.
The festival of the Madonna di Loreto is celebrated on the third Sunday of September in the frazione of Guarno.
The festival of San Leonardo is celebrated on November 6, in the frazione of Corte.