Accadia is an ancient village in the province of Foggia (Puglia). Located at 650 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by the greenery of the Apennine hills. Its history begins a few centuries before the year 88. Accadia, in fact, was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Eca, destroyed in XNUMX BC. The territory, which retains traces of Roman settlements, suffered violent earthquakes in various periods. Developed around the temple of the goddess Eca, the village is characterized by houses carved into the rock, still perfectly preserved in the Fossi district, a historical memory of the place.
Rione Fossi, where time has stopped
The Fossi district of Accadia has been completely uninhabited for about a century. Made up of caves, including prehistoric ones, and ancient houses currently undergoing partial renovation, it represents the most fascinating place in the country. Here time stopped in 1930, when a violent earthquake which hit Puglia and Campania caused its destruction, requiring the relocation of the town centre. The district will slowly return to being repopulated in the coming years, even if from a tourist perspective.
During the Roman period it was an ancient place of worship with pagan temples and priestly homes. Few traces remain of the Roman era, such as the Tavern and the ruins of some buildings scattered in the surrounding countryside. Despite its ancient origins, Accadia is among the "youngest" municipalities in the province of Foggia. Its annexation is in fact dated 1927. Previously it belonged to the neighboring province of Avellino, to which it was inserted in 1861, with the unification of Italy. Rione Fossi is one with the vegetation. Walking along the streets you can see the ruins of the houses. The village is accessed through the Capo Gate.
Monuments and places to visit
In the new part of Accadia they can be admired Clock Square, dominated by the tower, restored after the 30 earthquake, and a small temple in local stone built in the Bourbon era; the nineteenth century Monumental Fountain; the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine which, solitary, challenges the wind on Mount Crispignano (1105 above sea level), among the highest peaks in the region.
On this peak, according to tradition, the Madonna appeared to a shepherd boy in the crack of a cliff. Since 1999, near Piazza dell'Orologio, there is the Civic Museum of Accadia. Inside, crossing four rooms and a suggestive basement, you can enjoy a journey that tells the local history from prehistoric to modern times.
The greenery of the nearby woods, the numerous water sources, the almost unreal tranquility that characterizes these places, represent the winning credentials of the area.
(Photo: Municipality of Accadia; Proloco of Accadia, Facebook pages)
