What to see in Acireale
As an elegant baroque town, a few kilometers from Catania, Acireale rises upon a hill that overlooks the Ionian Sea: The Timpa, from which there is a beautiful panoramic view down to the Riviera of the Ciclopi.
Became well known for hosting one of the most famous of the Carnivals of Sicily, Acireale contains important sights from its noble past that certainly deserve to be seen.
The Cathedral of Acireale, dedicated to Maria Santissima Annunziata, is located in the homonymous and scenic Piazza, the heart of the historic center of Acireale. The beautiful building’s structure dates back to the fifth century, but was later reconstructed, after the 1693 earthquake, with baroque re-facings.
On the outside, of particular interest, is the seventeenth century marble entrance depicting the Annunciation and the two bell towers that rise on either side of the façade in a harmonious Gothic-Roman style. Its large structure is divided into three aisles. Inside, is the city’s patron saint chapel of Santa Venera, which is finely decorated with sixth century frescoes. There are also various relics and a fercolo of silver that is used to take the Santa on procession during the patronal festival.
Also to be admired, is the perfection of the sundial made in 1843 by the German scholar Peters.
In the same square is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, flanked by a single bell tower, expected to be a twin, but never realized.
The Basilica of San Sebastian is a national monument and defines the most important church in Acireale. It was built in the early sixth century, and remodeled according to baroque canons after the 1693 earthquake: the facade displays all the characteristics of Catania’s baroque style, adorned with beautiful decorations and lovely cherubs, while at its feet are statues of biblical figures. Its spacious interior is divided into three aisles among which are several paintings depicting scenes from the scriptures and works of the life of Saint Sebastian.
The adjacent sacred rooms house the Treasury, which hold various relics and gifts of devotees in honor of the saint. It also enshrines a copy of the holy shroud that only on rare occasions are shown to the public.
The Library and Gallery Zelantea of Acireale is one of the richest in all of Sicily, with a collection of over 250,000 volumes. Its oldest texts date back to the early fifth century.
It is located in Via Marchese di San Giuliano, not far from Piazza Duomo: the artworks are the result of donations and inheritances of intellectuals from discoveries that took place near the city. It is open every day of the week except Sunday.
The exhibition of historic uniforms is undoubtedly among the most important of all of southern Italy and a source of great historical and cultural interest in eastern Sicily.
Organized within a large room of the Town Hall of Acireale (Piazza Duomo), the collection traces the recent history of the European Union through the equipment of the armed forces of seven European countries from crucial wars from the old continent and around the world (France, Prussia, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Russia, the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Kingdom of Italy and the Papal States).
The exhibition has 129 priceless pieces, including uniforms, weapons and memorabilia: 21 uniforms, 44 hats, 7 armors, 8 swords, 6 seats, 19 pieces of decorations made of leather, 24 decorations of different types and different helmets complete with their original leather cases.
The uniforms are undoubtedly those which arouse the most wonder from visitors’ eyes. Among the most famous, the uniform of Field Marshal Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria (Austrian Emperor during the Italian Resurgence), the General’s uniform of Tsar Alexander III of Russia, the uniform of the Great Prince Umberto of Savoy and the uniform of a General of the Kingdom of Italy.
Other uniforms, some of which are complete in every part, refer to the lower levels of the French (1796), Napoleonic (1808), Prussian (1866) and papal (1902) armies.
The Opera dei Pupi of Acireale is a collection of Sicilian puppets, puppet heads and other various equipment that were used to carry out the theater company’s chivalry, quickly becoming famous all over the world, even today it is a symbol of Sicily in Italy and abroad.
The exhibition is located at the Theatre of the Alessi, it is the only example of a stable theater whose main business is linked to Sicilian puppetry.
The Myth of Acireale
The formation of Acireale ties in with the myth narrated by Virgil and Ovid, of the shepherd Acis and the nymph Galatea. According to legend, Aci was killed by the Cyclops Polyphemus, jealous of the love that Galatea felt for Acis.
Upon learning of the tragic death of her love, the nymph fell into heartbreaking cries that even the gods pitied. To ease the pain of Galatea, the gods transformed the blood of Acis into a river (Akis) in order to reunite Galatea and Aci within the streams of water.
The Carnival of Acireale
The Carnival ofAcireale has now become one of the most popular and colorful of Sicily.
The festivities go on for over a week, with flowered floats and parading masked groups in a joyful collegiate atmosphere. The cars made by various associations depict caricatures of historical and present-day personalities in mockery, contending the favor of the jury that will award the most beautiful wagon according to the category they belong.
The streets are crowded with people coming from all over Sicily, and soon are turned into carpets of confetti and streamers. Small playgrounds and other attractions are especially built for children. Because of its beauty and uniqueness, the Carnival of Acireale has been known for some time now as the most famous Carnival in Italy, the Carnival of Viareggio; and it is not to be missed.
Historical Background of Acireale
The town of Acireale owes its origins to the local populous who settled in the fertile area close to the sea with abundant fresh waters.
Colonized by the Greeks, it became a Roman town named Akis. It was the Byzantines who most probably built, around the eighth century, the castle of Aci to defend against Muslim hordes. In the medieval period, the town was the subject of numerous raids by foreign invaders, which is why many families left Acireale to situate themselves in safer areas, and why the small towns that sprang up in the area still bear the initial Aci in their name.
The earthquake of 1693 was a dramatic event in Acireale, destroying most of the buildings of that time: however, the reconstruction, brought many noble palaces, wide streets paved in slabs of lava stone, and important monuments. Lastly, in 1873, it was inaugurated as the prominent spa of Santa Venera.
Acireale by Night
The evenings in Acireale can be spent quietly and peacefully most all year round, except during the period of Carnival when the holiday becomes the focus of Sicily in Acireale. However, if you are lucky, you could happen to have the chance to attend one of the concerts of Italian and international singers, who usually perform in the sports hall.
Within its noble atmosphere and baroque style, Acireale offers visitors excellent restaurants and bars, as well as different types of accommodations to spend a few nights at the foot of Mount Etna. It could be considered a good stopover point on a trip through eastern Sicily or nodal point for visiting the most beautiful resorts that are located along the Ionian coast between Messina and Catania.
