Acireale

All photos unless otherwise stated: Per-Erik Skramstad © Wondersofsicily.com

 

Acireale's San Sebastiano has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Sicily. The statues are by Giovanni Battista Marino (1754).

 

Acireale is a beautiful and atmospheric little city located between Etna and the sea. The city is particularly interesting for its Baroque buildings (built after the earthquake in 1693) and mineral-water springs. You should visit the church of San Sebastiano (spectacular facade), the Palazzo Pennisi di Floristella, the basilica of Santi Pietro e Paolo, the cathedral Chiesa Madre, the church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, the church of San Camillo, the puppet theatre, and the church of San Domenico.

Ovid’s Metamorphosis Book XIII tells the story of Acis and Galatea, and it is from this story Acireale derives its name.

According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Acireale has a population of approximately 52,500 inhabitants.

 

The most striking church in Acireale, is the Church of San Sebastiano. The facade is packed with statues and ornaments, not to mention the delightful frieze of cherubs crossing the whole facade from left to right.

 

   

 

 

Cherubs on the Church of San Sebastiano, Acireale.

 

Statue outside the church of San Sebastiano. The church has a 17th century facade in Spanish-Baroque style.

 

 

   

The church of San Domenico. Outside the picture, to the left, is the 17th century Palazzo Musmeci.

 

Chiesa Madre - the cathedral. The two towers were added in the 18th century by C.B.F. Basile.

 

 

Museums in Acireale

Museo Basilica San Sebastiano (a collection of paintings, statues and embroidered priests’ robes).

Museo degli Uniformi Militari (a collection of military uniforms).

Museo Opera dei Pupi (puppet theatre and a museum of local marionettes).

 

 

 

Faces on the church of San Sebastiano, Acireale.

 

Chiesa di San Sebastiano.