Cosentian Academy

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The Cosentian Academy (Accademia Cosentina) was founded in Cosenza, Italy, by Aulo Giano Parassio, in 1511. Initially named after its founder, Accademia Parassiana, it was dedicated to philosophical and literary studies. After Parassio’s death (in 1543) Bernardino Telesio reorganized the academy, which was renamed Accademia Telesiana (Telesian Academy). A few years before Telesio’s death (in 1588) the Telesian Academy moved under the control of Sertorio Quattromani, who named it Accademia Cosentina. Around 1593, as a result of the conspiracy of Tommaso Campanella, the Cosentian Academy was closed down. In 1608, however, the Church opened a new Academy, the Accademia dei Costanti under the patronage of His Grace Costanzo. This new Academy was, in effect, the restoration of the Accademia Cosentina, but with the greater part of its members being from the Church. The Accademia dei Costanti continued under the guidance of Costanzo until his death in 1617. Around 1649, Archibishop Guiseppe Sanfelice founded in Cosenza the Accademia dei Negligenti, which lasted until his death in 1660. In 1668 the Accademia dei Costanti became active again under the leadership of the poet Pirro Schettini until his death in 1678 . In 1756, Gaetano Greco revived the old Academy, changing its name to Accademia dei Pescatori Cratilidi; but this attempt at revival lasted only until 1794. In 1811, the Academy was revived through the work of Matteo Galdi, and named the Istituto Cosentino. In late 1817, the King gave his approval for it to take once again the name Accademia Cosentina.

On 11 June 1871 the Cosentian Academy founded the Civic Library (Biblioteca Civica), which remained inactive until 4 March 1898 when it was officially inaugurated. The chairman of the Academy, to this day, also holds the post of chairman of the Civic Library’s administrative council.