Acireale .... Myths, History and Carnival

Aci and Galatea, Villa Belvedere, Public Gardens
"a Baci da Aci" ... a kiss from Aci

When we fancy a drive out for breakfast there is a little town we head for, it is a Mediterranean jewel, this town is full of myth and history. It is also where we believe you can get one of the yummiest chocolate granita.

Between Catania and Taormina you will find the town of Acireale high above the rocky coast line and it is well worth a visit.

This coast line is known as the Riviera dei Ciclopi (The Riviera of the Cyclops) it is also known as the Lemon Riviera. The town was built on old lava streams from Mount Etna and the volcano towers over the whole area and is visible from the town centre. The earthquake of 1693 caused heavy damage to the town and it was rebuilt in the typical Baroque style that Eastern Sicily is well known for.

The town comes alive for Carnevale which lasts from 30th January until 9th February. The historic streets become packed with revellers ready for parades and parties. A parade of floats, with gigantic works of moving art made from paper-mache are the main attraction which draws in thousands of visitors each year. The floats satirize current events or figures of popular culture. There are also the large “infiorati” floats which are embellished with flowers.The Acireale carnival is Sicily’s and one of Italy’s most beautiful.
Carnevale


Acireale overlooks a fault known as the Timpa which was made a nature reserve in 1984 due to the botanical value and scenic beauty. Between the Timpa and the sparkling Ionian Sea the lemon gardens bestow their fruit all year long and the heady scent of oranges fills the air.

In Roman times Acireale was known as a spa town and the thermal baths are still used today.

The town has interesting architecture and monuments. There are Baroque churches and mansions with picturesque little squares. Some of the most beautiful buildings of the town can be found around Piazza Duomo, here you can see the Cathedral, St Peter and St Paul's Basilica and the town hall.

Another church and one of my favourites, which I think is one of the most beautiful in Sicily is St Sebastian’s Basilica. It was built in the 17th century and was restored and improved after the earthquake. In 1754 ten statues were added to the outside structure with prophets and other characters from the Old Testament. On 20th January San Sebastian is carried in a silver throne by bare footed devotees through the town.

Breakfast at Caffe Cipriani
The café opposite is the perfect place to sit and admire the architecture of St Sebastian’s Basilica, which leads me back to that chocolate granita.

Caffe’ Cipriani has been established in Acireale since 1957, as I mentioned earlier it is our favourite place to drive to for a traditional Sicilian breakfast.

Acireale is also well known for its Sicilian puppet museum. The puppet theatre was founded by the puppeteer Don Marianno Pennisi in 1887 and is located in Via Alessi. This puppet master and his puppets would recount the history of the Paladin Knights of France in Sicily. Up until the advent of the television this was the only amusement for the Sicilian folk, lets just say it was a form of Sicilian soap opera. Today there are still performances of the puppets which is a wonder to watch.

Corso Umberto is the main street which has many cute boutiques and jewellery shops. At the end of Corso Umberto you will find the towns public gardens Villa Belvedere. Inside the gardens from the terrace you can look downwards and across the Ionian Sea, the Timpa nature reserve and coastal towns.
The Timpa Reserve


You will also find in the gardens  a beautiful sculpture of Aci and Galatea.

In ancient times there once lived Aci, a handsome shepherd who fell in love with Galatea, a beautiful sea nymph, with whom Polyphemus the Cyclop, who lived on Mount Etna, was infatuated with. Polyphemus was jealous of the two lovers so he murdered Aci by throwing him against a large rock. In appeasement of the Gods, Aci was transformed into a river so that Galatea could swim in it and be with her beloved.  Aci also gave his name to the three towns on the coast, Acireale, Aci Castello and Acitrezza.

Acireale really is a beautiful and tranquil town and like always I have only whetted your appetite to visit and hopefully then you can make your own discoveries there.

Its takes approximately 35 minutes to drive there from Taormina via the autostrada and if you want an amazing road trip that takes a little longer with stunning views of the coastline we would recommend taking the coastal road SS114 which passes through the towns of Giardini Naxos, Fiumefreddo and Giarre. Why not let an English speaking private driver escort you and help you discover this beautiful coastline.

If you enjoyed this post search my Blog archive for my post “The Coast of the Cyclops” from April 2015 and discover more about this mythical part of Sicily.

Photo Gallery

Sicilian Puppets

Caffe’ Cipriani

St Sebastian's Basilica

St Sebastian's Basilica

St Sebastian's Basilica

Caffe Ciprani

Villa Belvedere Public Gardens

Piazza Duomo

Corso Umberto

The Coast of the Cyclops
Cathedral

Cathedral

If you enjoyed this Blog post the you will also enjoy this one from my archive 

The Coast of the Cyclops 
https://whitealmond-privatesicily.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-coastline-from-aci-castello-just.html


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