Anzi
Welcome to Anzi, a special municipality
If you are looking for a charming and original municipality to spend your holidays, Anzi could be just the place for you. This lovely Italian town, located in the province of Potenza, in Basilicata, has only 1555 inhabitants but is full of character and curiosities to discover, suitable for those seeking an authentic and genuine experience. Let's find out together what it has to offer.
Physical geography
Territory
Anzi is located in the central part of the Province of Potenza and is the third highest municipality in Basilicata after Pietrapertosa and Marsicovetere. The area has a continental Apennine climate with cold winters and rather cool and windy summers.
Located in the Lucanian Apennine National Park Val d'Agri Lagonegrese, Anzi is surrounded by a splendid forest and is in the middle of nature. It borders other municipalities such as Laurenzana, Calvello, Trivigno, Abriola, Brindisi Montagna, Castelmezzano, Pignola and the nearby Potenza, a city easily reached by car or bus.
Origin of the name
The name of the municipality Anzi probably derives from the Latin Anxia, Anxa, Ancie, which can be considered the anagram of Einca, an Osco word. This tradition is also supported by the finding of a triangular stone with an inscription written in Osco in the district of San Giovanni. The inscription said EINCA, thus confirming the derivation from the Osco word.
History
Anzi has very ancient origins, since the Iron Age it was inhabited by the Enotri first and then by the Romans and Lucanians. During the Greek period, Anzi became a village known for the production of ceramics, of which archaeological remains are found today, present in various museums in the world, from the Archaeological Museum of Naples to the British Museum in London. Under the control of the Lombards, Normans and feudal lords, this place was called Anxia and was powerful and very rich.
Anzia appears for the first time in the Tavola Peutingeriana, one of the first geographical maps desired by the emperor Theodosius between 347 and 395 AD. Thanks to its geographical location in a strategic position, Anzi became a mandatory passage point for the connection between Potenza and the ancient Grumentum. In the 4th century, Emperor Diocletian built the Via Herculea, which ended under Maximian Hercules. In 1240, Frederick II decided to restore the Castle of Anzi, still present today.
Coat of arms
The coat of arms of Anzi is represented by a battlemented tower above three mountains. On the top of the tower, there are three ears of wheat.
Culture and places of interest
Despite its small size, in Anzi you will find unique and original attractions, perfect for all tastes.
On Mount Siri, you will see the Anzi Astronomical Observatory Planetarium, managed by the Teerum Valgemon Aesai voluntary association. This planetarium has been in operation since 2008 and will offer you a spectacular view of the night sky.
In the forest of the Municipality of Anzi, there is a tourist village called "La Casa nel Bosco". Here you can rest in the fresh mountain air and visit the dinosaur park, where you can see these prehistoric giants reproduced in real sizes.
On Mount Siri, the remains of the Castle built in 1091 offer a unique experience from which to admire a breathtaking view of the Camastra Dam.
In the square, you will find the Artistic Fountain on Peasant Civilization, a work created by Lucano Lo Sasso. The fountain depicts a shepherd taming a castrated ram to become the head of the herd.
Conclusion
If you want to discover an authentic and original experience, come and visit Anzi, a special municipality for its history, monuments, and traditions. Here you can enjoy the fresh mountain air, discover the astronomical observatory and the dinosaur park and immerse yourself in the lives of the people who live here. We are confident that this small village will conquer you and the feeling you will have will be that of having discovered a secret treasure.
