Acireale
Grotesque in Acireale.
Acireale is located on the east coast of Sicily, 17 kilometers from Catania and 44 kilometers from Taormina. It is a charming and atmospheric city nestled between Mount Etna and the sea. It is renowned for its Baroque architecture, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, and its mineral-water springs. Key attractions include the spectacular facade of the Church of San Sebastiano, the Palazzo Pennisi di Floristella, the Basilica of Santi Pietro e Paolo, the Chiesa Madre Cathedral, the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, the Church of San Camillo, the puppet theatre, and the Church of San Domenico.
According to the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), Acireale has a population of approximately 52,500 inhabitants.
Acireale's San Sebastiano has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Sicily. The statues are by Giovanni Battista Marino (1754).
Acis and Galatea - San Sebastiano - Grotesques - Palazzo Nicolosi - Chiesa Madre - San Domenico - Pietri e Paolo -
Acis and Galatea
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.
The Church of San Sebastiano
The facade of the beautiful San Sebastiano church has a frieze of cherubs with garlands.
The most striking church in Acireale, is the Church of San Sebastiano. The facade is packed with statues and ornaments, not to mention the charming 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.
Faces on the church of San Sebastiano, Acireale.
Chiesa di San Sebastiano.
“D.T.V. Invictissimo dvci illvstrissimo bimartyri fidei defensori Sebastiano Acis patrono inclyta societas. D.D.D. 1705” (To the Most Invincible Leader, the Most Illustrious Martyr of Faith, Defender, and Acireale's Glorious Patron, Saint Sebastian, The Renowned Society Dedicated This Offering. 1705).
D.T.V. abbreviation of the Latin phrase "Dedicavit Titulum Venerabundus" (or a similar formulation), which roughly translates to "Dedicated this title with reverence" or "Devoted this inscription with veneration." It was a common way to express dedication in formal inscriptions of the period.
Grotesques
Palazzo Nicolosi
Palazzo Nicolosi, Corso Umberto 58.
Palazzo Nicolosi (detail).
The church of San Domenico
The church of San Domenico. Outside the picture, to the left, is the 17th century Palazzo Musmeci.
Chiesa Madre - the cathedral
Chiesa Madre - the cathedral. The two towers were added in the 18th century by C.B.F. Basile.
A group of statues in the facade of the Cathedral.
The neo Gothic facade by Giovanni Battista Basile was added in the late 19th century.
D.O.M.
Virgini Dei Paræ Annuntiatæ
Ædem hanc maximam
Acis urbs amplissima et fida regibus
1660
To God, the Best and Greatest (D.O.M.)
To the Virgin, Mother of God, of the Annunciation
This great temple
Acireale, the most noble and loyal city to the kings,
1660
The cone shaped spire of one of the bell towers.
Santi Pietro e Paolo
The church Santi Pietro e Paolo on Piazza Duomo. To the right you see the 17th century Town Hall with wonderful balconies supported by grotesque heads.
Chiesa di San Rocco
Chiesa di San Rocco's facade.
Church of San Rocco: interior.
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).
Town Hall
Honor to the Unknown Soldier. One of the balconies of the Town Hall.
Palazzo Modo
The baroque Palazzo Modò was built in the 17th century.
The Eldorado Theatre in the 17th century Palazzo Modò was active ca 40 years from 1909.
