Things to see · Museums
Museum of Tree Cults, Accettura
Accettura (Matera)
Museum of Tree Cults, Accettura is in Accettura, province of Matera. Opening hours: Visits on request: contact the Accettura Town Hall. Admission: To be checked with the Town Hall when booking.
- To be checked with the Town Hall when booking.
- Visits on request: contact the Accettura Town Hall.
About this place
The Museum of Tree Cults in Accettura is dedicated to tree rituals, and in particular to the Maggio di Accettura, one of the most ancient and spectacular tree festivals in Italy. It is a modern building in a panoramic position, along the via del Maggio, the road travelled every year by the tree dragged into the town.
Il Maggio di Accettura
The festival of the patron saint San Giuliano begins on Pentecost Sunday. A large cerro oak, the «Maggio», is felled in the Montepiano woods and dragged into town by oxen; the «Cima», a holly tree, is carried on shoulders from the Gallipoli Cognato forest. The two trees are joined in a true «wedding» and raised in the square; then the young men climb to the top. Similar rites exist in a few other Mediterranean communities, including the Mascio of Pietrapertosa.
What to see
• The story of the rite, from its origins to the stages of the festival: the felling, the transport, the raising and the climb.
• The tree cults of the area, compared with those of other communities.
• The view over the town and the woods of the Park.
How to visit
The museum is visited by appointment: to arrange a visit, contact the Comune di Accettura on 0835 675005. It is best to call a few days in advance.
Useful information
• The best time to appreciate the museum is around the festival, between May and June.
• In the town you can also visit the Mother Church of San Nicola, where the statue of San Giuliano is venerated, and the Church of Sant’Antonio, with the saint’s reliquary.
