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Visit Acireale
Acireale is situated on the coast of eastern Sicily, north of Catania.
There was an interesting survey of the history of the urban growth of Acireale (by Grasso and Raneri), who described the medieval appearance of the town as being characterized by narrow streets, like Muslim cities. Towards the end of the 16th century, the town was extended with developments including the “Annunziata” Church and the construction of the Basilica in 1608.
In any case, the high point in the cultural life of Acireale was in the 17th century, as demonstrated by its cultural and academic institutions.
The centre of Acireale is the Piazza del Duomo, onto which some of the most important buildings of the city face, among which the Cathedral, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the Municipal Palace, and the “Modò” Palace.
Acireale Cathedral is dedicated to "Maria Santissima Annunziata," but it is consecrated to the cult of "Santa Venera," the patron saint of the town. The original church dates from the 15th century but it was renovated in subsequent centuries. Inside are works by Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760) , Antonio Filocamo (1669-1743), Giuseppe Sciuti (1834-1911), Francesco Patanè (1902-1980), Vito D'Anna (1718-1769) and Giacinto Platania (1612-1691).
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was built in the mid-sixteenth century and rebuilt in the first decade of the seventeenth century. It has a typically Baroque style, the interior has a single nave, decorated with paintings by Pietro Paolo Vasta and Giacinto Platania, two of the most famous painters of Acireale.
The Town Hall, of Baroque style, was designed in the mid-17th century and rebuilt after severe earthquake damage. Artistic highlights include the balconies and wrought ironwork.
Looking to the churches of Acireale, the the name of Pietro Paolo Vasta is important. In fact, Pietro Paolo Vasta was an outstanding artist, who left an indelible imprint in the urban fabric of the town. Educated in the Roman artistic background, Pietro Paolo Vasta worked at Acireale from the first half of the 18th century, embellishing the town that was being reorganised after the severe earthquake of 1693. Pietro Paolo Vasta was not a talent that shone for originality, but he was certainly a great "mannerist", attentive to detail and extremely consistent with his Roman models. Various of Vasta’s works are visible, in the churches of Acireale and also in the annexed Art Gallery in the "Zelantea" Academy, a cultural institution of great prestige.
The Zalantea Art Gallery in Acireale, with the attached collection of archaeological finds is a place which must not be overlooked. It holds paintings by many local artists, among them we mention, besides Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760), Giacinto Platania (1612-1691), a realist painter with a strong realistic and landscape trend, Matteo Ragonisi (1660-1734 ), Emanuele Grasso (1789-1853), Antonio Bonaccorsi (1826-1897), Paolo Leonardi (1845-1922), Francesco Mancini (1863-1948) and Vito D'Anna, who was a follower of Pietro Paolo Vasta.
The archaeological collection of the Zalantea Art Gallery has significant historical value, as described in detail by Professor Maria Nicotra. Particularly worthy of consideration is the Corinthian pottery. M. Nicotra said: "[...] in this collection are ten ceramic vases, divided into four different groups: 6 'kothones', 2 'pyxides', 1 'aryballos', 1 'hydriscos'…the ceramic is of the type produced in Corinth in the second half of the seventh century BC and it was exported especially in the first half of the sixth century BC. The two 'pyxides' in the catalog are decorated in the ‘White Style’, widely used from 550 BC and present throughout the sixth century BC [...]" (See M. Nicotra, in “Atti e rendiconti dell'Accademia di scienze, Lettere ed Arti dei Zelanti”, 2007, Vol. VI: 207).
We conclude our artistic review of artistic Acireale with a reference to other religious buildings of interest, such as the Basilica of San Sebastian, dating from the 18th century and with a façade combining multiple orders, preceded by a balustrade. The interior holds many frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta, depicting the story of the life and martyrdom of Saint Sebastian (the "Glory of St. Sebastian," "St. Sebastian kneeling at the feet of Pope Caius," and the "Death of St. Sebastian ").
Other frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta are to be seen in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua [one of the oldest churches with frescoes and paintings also by Alessandro Vasta [1724-1793] (son of Pietro Paolo Vasta )], in the 18th century Church of “Santa Maria del Suffragio”, and in the Church of “San Camillo”.
Nature around Acireale
For tourists who love nature, Acireale is justly famous for the "Timpa", a promontory near the coast. The Timpa is a nature reserve characterized by volcanic rocks and thick vegetation; the territory of the reserve is well preserved and in some parts untouched. These areas are especially enjoyable in summer but also in the wintertime.
The town is also known for the Acireale Carnival, a traditional festival dating back to the late 16th century. Admiring the floats, we can also enjoy the local pastry such as the so-called "zeppole" with rice and honey or the "crispelle" of St. Joseph, and the “cannoli” [horns] filled with chocolate cream. Food enthusiasts will also enjoy the fresh fish, used in typical Sicilian recipes.
See also Acireale history and etymology.