A land of history, myths and legends

An origin that sinks into myth. It is said that Acireale, like the other sites started by Aci, originates from Xiphonia, a mysterious Greek city, of which no traces can be found today. The name of the city, told by the poets Virgil and Ovid, is linked to Greek mythology, in particular the episode of the tormented love between the shepherd Aci and the nymph Galatea, opposed by the Cyclops Polyphemus, also in love with the nymph. Polyphemus, out of jealousy, crushed his rival under a stone. After this tragedy, the nymph asked the gods to transform the young Aci's blood into a river, which the Greeks called Akis and which flowed in a predominantly underground bed.

After its Greek origins, the city passed through the hands of the Romans, Arabs and Spaniards.

The 1500s were a very important period for Acireale, as a strong mercantile class was consolidated and brought considerable wealth to the city, with the establishment of several religious orders. This period left such an important mark that, even today, the city is referred to as “the city of a hundred bells”.

With the terrible earthquake of 1693, the city was partially destroyed, like much of southeastern Sicily. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style, as can be seen today on the facades of its buildings.

The city is known for the Carnival of Acireale, able to attract visitors from all over Sicily, but also from other regions of Italy, thanks to the presence of grotesque floats and groups of masked people on parade, along with flowery floats, which are a prerogative typical of the city.