Bust of Emperor Julian

The marble bust traditionally identified as the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate (AD 331-363) is one of the most unusual archaeological finds in Acerenza.

The sculpture was originally placed on the façade of the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Canio (Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Canio). For a long time it was identified as Saint Canio, the patron saint of the town, probably due to an old religious interpretation of the figure.

Today it is housed in the archaeological section of the Museo Diocesano (Diocesan Museum) of Acerenza. Its attribution is, however, debated: some studies have questioned whether it depicts Julian and have also proposed other identifications, including that of Giacomo Alfonso Ferrillo, lord of Acerenza.

It is a find of great historical interest, as it bears witness to the link between Roman history, religious traditions and the identity of the village.