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.

In Sicily, near the slopes of Mount Etna, the sea-nymph Galatea and the handsome shepherd Acis shared a love both tender and tragic. Galatea, daughter of the sea gods Nereus and Doris, was pursued relentlessly by the fearsome Cyclops Polyphemus. Though Polyphemus, a monstrous giant with a single eye, was feared for his ferocity, he was smitten by Galatea. His crude attempts to win her heart included pastoral songs and promises of wealth, yet she spurned his love for Acis. The Cyclops, enraged by jealousy, discovered the lovers in a secret embrace. Overcome by fury, he hurled a massive boulder torn from the mountainside. The stone crushed Acis, shattering Galatea’s heart. In her grief, the sea-nymph called upon her divine heritage to transform Acis into a river, immortalizing him in the Sicilian landscape. His blood turned to flowing water, and reeds sprouted where his life had been extinguished. Thus, the River Acis was born, winding through the island as a testament to their love. Polyphemus, undeterred, continued to roam Sicily, his rage and longing echoing through the hills. Yet Galatea's love for Acis persisted, forever entwined with the waters that bore his name. The tale of Acis and Galatea speaks to the timeless power of love, jealousy, and transformation, a story eternally tied to the beauty of Sicily.

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.