Holiday apartment in Acquaviva Delle Fonti: History, Festivals and Springs

Acquaviva Delle Fonti combines historic buildings with festivals, culinary culture and distinctive natural features. Its attractions range from the archaeological museum and the Cathedral of Sant'Eustachio to springs that re-emerge and the Curtomartino Cave with its stalactites.

Museum and Cathedral in Acquaviva Delle Fonti

The Museo Archeologico delle Fonti “Austacio Busto” houses artefacts from various periods, from prehistory to the modern era. The museum visit is divided into four thematic areas, each linked to a site in the area of particular importance to the history of Acquaviva Delle Fonti. The four areas provide different perspectives on the area's historic sites.

The Cathedral of Sant'Eustachio was built in 1158 and completely remodelled in 1529. This renovation fundamentally changed the external façade and the internal structure. The upper part of the cathedral's façade features a large rose window. The church of Acquaviva Delle Fonti was declared “Palatina” by a ruling of the Curia of the Grand Chaplain dated 16 January 1789. The altered façade and the rose window offer two different starting points for viewing the sacred building.

Historic Buildings and Distinctive Townscapes

Other prominent buildings include the Palazzo De Mari. It was built as a fortified residence over an earlier Norman castle, of which two towers are still visible. The Torre dell'Orologio was a former 16th-century palace of the Sedile. The Giardino del Duca is a suburban villa belonging to the De Mari family, with the remains of the triumphal arch at its entrance; it was built at the behest of Carlo de Mari in the second half of the 17th century. At the Palazzo, the visible towers draw attention to the older castle, while in the Giardino the triumphal arch defines the entrance.

Festivals, Traditions and the Flavours of the Town

The events calendar is also an important part of what makes Acquaviva Delle Fonti distinctive. The Festa della Cipolla Rossa takes place every year on the third weekend of July in Acquaviva delle Fonti. Another tradition is the “Pallone” della Madonna, which dates back at least to the first half of the 19th century. On the first Tuesday in September, a 21-metre-high balloon, known as the “Pallone” della Madonna, is launched.

For culinary discoveries, the town offers renowned cheese dairies and bakeries. They produce the traditional “Calzone di cipolla”. This speciality complements the festival tradition of the red onion with a tangible expression of local culinary culture.

Springs and Cave as Further Attractions

Acquaviva delle Fonti is associated with springs that re-emerge. Curtomartino Cave is known for its stalactites. Inside the cave, the stalactites shape the underground space; at the springs, the focus is on the water re-emerging.

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