Aci Castello

Aci Castello (Sicilian: Jaci Casteḍḍu) is a comune in the Metropolitan City of Catania in Sicily, Italy. The city is located 9 kilometres (6 mi) north of Catania on the Mediterranean coast.[3] The primary economic sectors are agriculture and industry (in Catania). The city is neighbored by Aci Catena, Acireale, Catania, San Gregorio di Catania and Valverde.

Aci Castello

Jaci Casteḍḍu  (Sicilian)
Comune
Comune di Aci Castello
The Castello Normanno at Aci Castello
Coat of arms
Location of Aci Castello
Aci Castello
Location of Aci Castello in Italy
Aci Castello
Aci Castello (Sicily)
Coordinates: 37°33′20″N 15°08′45″E
CountryItaly
RegionSicily
Metropolitan cityCatania (CT)
FrazioniAci Trezza, Ficarazzi, Cannizzaro
Government
 • MayorCarmelo Scandurra
Area
 • Total8 km2 (3 sq mi)
Elevation
15 m (49 ft)
Population
 (30 April 2017)[2]
 • Total18,614
 • Density2,300/km2 (6,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)Castellesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
95021
Dialing code095
Patron saintSaint Maurus Abbot
Saint dayJanuary 15
WebsiteOfficial website

History
Panoramic view of the Norman castle of Aci Castello in 1990.

The town of Aci Castello developed around the castle, which was built in 1076 by the Normans upon the foundations of a 7th-century Byzantine fortification.[3][4] In 1169, Aci Castello started to expand after an eruption of Mount Etna made the towns in its vicinity uninhabitable. The castle later became the property of the bishops of Catania.

In 1296, Roger of Lauria, admiral of the Aragonese fleet during the War of the Sicilian Vespers, was granted the fief of Aci and its castle as a reward for his faithful service to King Frederick III of Sicily. When relations between the two men soured and di Lauria transferred his loyalties to the Angevins, the castle was besieged and captured by King Frederick and di Lauria stripped of his fiefs. In 1320, the castle and Aci were taken from Roger's descendant, Margaret of Lauria and given to Blasco II de Alagona. Whilst the latter was away defending Palermo from the attacking Angevins, Bertrando di Balzo sacked Aci in his absence.

Main sights
  • The Norman Castle, built from 1076 to 1081. It now serves as a museum.
  • The borough Aci Trezza with a beach
  • Church of St. Joseph (18th century)
  • Greek Necropolis [5]

References
  1. "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  3. "Discover the best places to visit in Catania: Aci Castello". Citymap Sicilia. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
  4. "Aci Castello e Acitrezza: What to see in the city - Visit Sicily". VisitSicily. Retrieved 2019-04-12.
  5. "Necropolis". britannica.com. Retrieved 2019-04-14.



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