Today seat of the Natural Park of Gallipoli Cognato, Accettura is a town in the province of Matera, whose origins date back to Ancient Greece, testified by the discovery of votive ceramics of the IV-III century B.C. and exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. The name derives from "acceptor" (hawk). The first settlement in the Middle Ages arose in an area known as Raya, probably founded by citizens from Gallipoli, of which today are still visible the ruins of a square shaped fortress.
Not to miss:
- the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, built prior to the XVI century, which preserves inside a precious wooden crucifix of the XV century;
- the Church of the Annunciation, in Baroque style, built on a pre-existing building;
- the Church of St. Anthony, attached to the Franciscan monastery, it was built in 1585 and retains some paintings of the XVII century and a polychrome wooden reliquary depicting St. Julian;
- the Palaces;
- the fortified farm houses (masserie) of the XVIII century;
- the Natural Park of Gallipoli Cognato, within which lies the archaeological area of Monte Croccia;
- the ruins of a castle and other medieval buildings in the district Serra Rosa.