Acaya

Anciently known as Segine, Acaya owes its name probably from an ancient family of Greek origin, who settled there in the wake of Charles I, after the feud award in 1285. In ‘400 and ‘500 the whole southern Italy was the subject of continuous raids by the Ottomans, thus it was born the need to protect the coast and inland. In Acaya Giangiacomo dell’Acaya Segine Baron (Acaya), and Oronzo Reale (1902-1988) were born.

The latter was actively against the monarchy and fascism during the Second World War; in 1943 he was part of the Action Party; after World War II he was Member of Parliament, Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, and Judge of the Constitutional Court. The Aragonese Castle was built in 1506 by Baron Alfonso Acaya on top of traces of pre-existing towers. The latter’s son Gian Iacopo built the walls and equipped the castle with ramparts and moat (1536). The proximity of the family Acaya to Charles V allows the son of Alfonso “Giangiacomo” to introduce himself into cultured and refined circles in Italy and Spain. But it was only in 1528 that Giangiacomo could be appreciated at the Court of Charles V when, with the help of the Marchese Castriota and a modest military contingent, managed to stop the advance of the French in Salento.

It was then that Charles V appreciated the qualities of Giangiacomo as a military strategist and architect and in 1536 commissioned him to build the fortified citadel of Acaya. Following fortification, the story of Acaya sees ups and downs. Currently, the town relives all its glory, from 2 important factors: The recognition of the Castle as a UNESCO permanent center and the construction of one of the largest and best equipped complexes for golf, with adjoining luxury hotel and spa.