Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Historic Centre
To see Acireale's stunning architecture, start at Piazza Duomo, a grandiose piazza sur-
rounded on three sides by monumental buildings. On the western flank is the
cathedral
(
8am-12.30pm & 3.30-8pm)
, built in the early 1600s and topped by towering conical-capped
spires. Inside, the echoing vaults and chapels are richly frescoed.
Next to the cathedral, the
Basilica dei Santi Pietro e Paolo
( 8am-12.30pm & 3.30-8pm)
displays a
typically elaborate 18th-century facade, while over the road Palazzo Municipale impresses
with its wrought-iron balconies and imposing central portal.
From the piazza, Via Ruggero Settimo leads south to Piazza Lionardo Vigo and the gor-
geous
Basilica di San Sebastiano
( 8am-12.30pm & 3.30-8pm)
, one of the town's finest baroque
buildings. Behind the majestic facade, itself preceded by a grand balustrade and statues of
Old Testament characters, the interior features some fine, if rather faded, frescoes recount-
ing episodes from the life of St Sebastian.
Nearby, the streets around Piazza Marconi host Acireale's noisy
pescheria
(fish mar-
ket).
NEIGHBOURHOOD
THEATRE
Puppet Theatres
Acireale has a long tradition of puppet theatre and there are a couple of places where you
can learn all about it:
L'Antico Teatro dei Pupi
(
www.teatropupimacri.it
; Via Alessi 5; admission free;
9.30am-12.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm)
, which has a collection of puppets and theatrical paraphernalia,
and the
Teatro-Museo dell'Opera dei Pupi
( 095 764 80 35;
www.operadeipupi.com
; Via Nazionale 195;
9am-noon & 6-9pm Wed, Sat & Sun summer, 9am-noon & 3-6pm winter)
.
Santa Maria La Scala
There are two reasons to make the 2km downhill walk to this minute fishing village. One
is the walk itself which, once you've crossed the main road, is a lovely country stroll with
gorgeous coastal views. The other is to eat seafood at one of the delightful trattorias.
To get to the village, which consists of little more than a tiny harbour, a church, some
houses and a black beach, follow Via Romeo down from Piazza Duomo, cross the main
road and keep going.
VILLAGE
Festivals & Events
Carnevale
CARNIVAL
