Acireale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Comune di Acireale | |
|---|---|
 Municipal coat of arms |
|
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Province | Catania (CT) |
| Mayor | Antonino Garozzo (since June 28, 2004) |
| Elevation | 102 m (335 ft) |
| Area | 39 km² (15.1 sq mi) |
| Population (as of May 2005) | |
| - Total | 52,394 |
| - Density | 1,343/km² (3,478/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET, UTC+1 |
| Coordinates | 37°37′N 15°10′E / 37.617°N 15.167°E |
| Gentilic | Acesi |
| Dialing code | 095 |
| Postal code | 95024 |
| Frazioni | see list |
| Patron | St. Venera and St. Sebastian |
| - Day | July 26 and January 20 |
| Website: www.comune.acireale.ct.it | |
Acireale (Sicilian: Jaciriali; often shortened to Jaci or Aci) is a coastal city in the north-east of the province of Catania, Sicily, Italy, at the foot of Mount Etna, with mineral waters.
It is famous for its churches, including the Neo-Gothic St. Peter's Basilica, St. Sebastian's Basilica in the Sicilian Baroque style, and the 17th century Acireale Cathedral; and for its paintings: the oldest academy in Sicily, the "Accademia dei Dafnici e degli Zelanti", is located here.
Acireale is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Acireale. As of 2009, the Bishop of Acireale is Pio Vittorio Vigo (born 4 November 1935), a native of Acireale who was nominated bishop of the diocese in 2002. There is also a seminary for the training of priests and many convents; thus Acireale has a strong clerical presence.
From a historical perspective, the church of San Biagio in Acireale is of interest because it contains some of the relics of the Venerable Gabriele Allegra, who entered the Franciscan seminary there in 1918.
Other notable places of interest are the Villa Belvedere, a large public park overlooking the Ionian Sea, and the Piazza Duomo. South of the Piazza Duomo, is the oldest section of the city. There are many beautiful historic Baroque buildings, including the Palazzo Pennisi which dates from the 17th century. The commercial city centre is located primarily in the streets adjacent to and including the Corso Umberto and Corso Italia which are the city's principal thoroughfares.
Acireale has many secondary and professional schools, and liceos.
Acireale is famous throughout Sicily for its spectacular floats, costumes, and parades during the season of carnival, which attracts many tourists and visitors.
[edit] Areas
Santa Maria La Scala, Santa Tecla, Stazzo, Pozzillo, Santa Maria degli Ammalati, Guardia, Mangano, Capomulini, San Cosmo, Balatelle, Pennisi, Fiandaca, Loreto, Piano D'Api, Aciplatani, Scillichenti, Santa Caterina, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Santa Maria La Stella, Aci Sant'Antonio, San Giovanni Bosco.
[edit] Image gallery
 The façade of Palazzo Pennisi, a 17th century Baroque building |
 The Ionian Sea and coast viewed from Acireale |
 Façade of the 17th century Acireale Cathedral, Piazza Duomo |
 A side view of the cathedral, Piazza Duomo |
 Corso Umberto, Acireale's main shopping street |
 Garibaldi Square |
 Piazza Duomo |
 Side street with buildings in the Baroque style |
 One of the floats of Acireale's Carnival parade, 2009 |
 Baroque building south of Piazza Duomo |
[edit] Links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Acireale |
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