Hi,
I’m Roberta, a few weeks ago I told you about Catania (read the article here) and the architectural beauties that characterise its historical centre.
Today, however, I want to take you to the sea in a place that will enchant you with its legends.
Aci Castello
A little less than 10 kilometres from Catania is Aci Castello, an ancient fishing village 15 metres above sea level, built around an ancient castle from the Norman era.
The lava stone castle, built on a small hill, was a fortress that was mainly used for sightings of enemies arriving by sea.
Around 1170 the village was completely destroyed by a terrible earthquake and only in 1530 was it rebuilt and repopulated. Over the years, while maintaining its ancient origins, it has been transformed into a prestigious seaside resort, a destination for many tourists.
The castle can only be accessed from the square by means of a masonry staircase. It currently houses a civic museum of mineralogy, palaeontology and archaeology.
The Mother Church is also interesting from an architectural point of view, with remarkable frescoes by Pietro Vasta.
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The Riviera of the Cyclopes
From the castle it is possible to admire the whole Riviera dei Ciclopi (Cyclops’ Riviera), so called because of a legend; several myths tell that Polyphemus, blinded by anger for Ulysses’ escape, threw some stone boulders so big and heavy that only a Cyclops could move them. Today, these boulders form a frame of rocks that make for a particularly beautiful landscape, the inspiration for numerous photographs and works of art.
Many tourists love to spend a day at the seaside here because of its uniqueness. In addition to the beauty of the village around the castle, the surrounding area has small beaches of lava ash and wooden jetties set up during the summer season for sunbathing.
Aci Trezza
Just a short distance from the Riviera dei Ciclopi is a small seaside village worthy of note: Aci Trezza.
It was made famous by Giovanni Verga, who decided to set one of his greatest masterpieces here, the Malavoglia.
Moreover, Aci Trezza was the location for a film shot in 1948, “La terra trema” (The Earth Trembles) by Luchino Visconti and Antonio Pietrangeli.
Natural beauty, myths, history and art await you here with us!
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