Acireale, a baroque plaything
Due to continuous invasion, eruption and earthquake, Acireale’s history has been shaped by its many rebirths. This has been true ever since the most ancient inhabitants, in an attempt to escape pirate attacks, went north to take shelter on a luxuriant lava enriched terrace, the ‘Timpa’. On this verdant hill pointing out into the sea, the city grew and prospered until the terrible earthquake of 1693, when it was nearly completely destroyed. It was from such events however that the magnificent late-baroque architecture of its historical centre came into being.
In the elegant public square of the Duomo is the Town Hall, its baroque façade, adorned with decorations and balconies supported by grotesque ‘talamoni’ (large stone statues), is well worthy of note. Also in this square is the cathedral, dedicated to the Announciation and to Saint Venera, the female saint of the city, whose precious silver image is conserved within the cathedral. The neo-gothic façade was recreated at the beginning of the 1900s but the main construction of the church originates from the beginning of the XIV century.
A little distance away from the Duomo, in Lionardo Vigo Square, rises the Basilica of Saint Sebastiano (from the second half of the XVII century), dedicated to the second patron saint of the city. The baroque façade is spectacular and has characteristics that are also found in many of the churches of the Val di Noto. The bell tower is situated in the body of the building; the balustrades and the statues, added in 1754, are the work of Gian Battista Marino. Interestingly the Room of Treasure and the Museum of the Sacred Art, that testify to more than four hundred years of religious history in the city, are included in the already rich Museum guidebook for the Basilica. Visit the Basilica of Saint Sebastiano every day from 8:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 19:30 – Visit the museum every day (except Mondays) from 10:00 to 12:00 and 16:00 to 18:00 (in the summer from 17:30 to 19:30). Sundays by appointment. Information and reservations: +39 095 601313.
In via Marquis di Sangiuliano are the Library and the Zelantea Art Gallery. The library is rich with ancient books and some precious manuscripts, while the art gallery houses an interesting archaeological collection and some praise worthy paintings by local painters from the XVII and XVIII century. Annexed to the art gallery is the Renaissance Museum. Free visits on reservation (especially for large groups), from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and 16:30 to 18:00. Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00 – Information and reservations: +39 095 7634516.
The Scenery
To appreciate the beauty of the nature surrounding Acireale, it’s enough to go to the viewpoint of Villa Comunale. Down below are the sea, the black rocks and the tiny harbours of the maritime villages. To the left you can see Taormina in the background. Whilst to the right you can see the slope of the natural coast on which the city rises. Above, and behind the inhabited centre, you can see the magnificent mount Etna. But to fully enjoy the view you must go towards Santa Tecla or pass by Belfrontizio, a privileged point from where it appears that the sea touches the volcano. Then, on the terrace of Terme Santa Venera or in the little square of Santa Caterina, you come face-to-face with the wild nature reserve, The Timpa.