Aci Castello
Aci Castello is a city in the Province of Catania in the Italian region Sicily, with 18 039 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012).
Location and data
Aci Castello is located 9 km northeast of Catania on the Mediterranean coast. The inhabitants mainly work in agriculture and industry in Catania.
The districts are Aci Trezza, Ficarazzi and Cannizzaro.
The neighboring municipalities are Aci Catena, Acireale, Catania, San Gregorio di Catania and Valverde.
History
The village of Aci Castello developed in the environment of a fort, which was built in 1076 by the Normans. It was at that time on a small, rocky island. As of 1169 grew Aci Castello, since an outbreak of Etna destroyed the surrounding towns on the mainland and its inhabitants took refuge on the island. Through volcanic eruptions under water, the coast lifted since the Middle Ages by 17 meters and the castle is now on the mainland.
Attractions
- The castle from the Norman period was built on much older predecessors and has since been restored several times.
- In the castle there is a municipal museum of mineralogy, paleontology and archeology.
- The district Aci Trezza is located on a beautiful beach and in summer is a popular destination for the inhabitants of Catania. Off the coast are the Cyclops.
Aci Castello - castle
Fishing port in Aci Trezza
More
In the district of Aci Trezza, the fishing harbor, 1948, the film was shot, the earth trembles under the direction of Luchino Visconti. Performers were the inhabitants of Aci Castello and the surrounding area.