Aci Castello
A Norman castle built on a black basalt reef in the sea, which together with the lava reefs along the coast creates a distinctive volcanic seascape.
Aci Castello is a seaside town about 9 km north of Catania. Its landmark is a castle standing on a black volcanic rock reef. It was first built by the Byzantines and rebuilt by the Normans in the 11th century, and today it houses a small civic museum with mineral and archaeological collections. From the top you can look out over the Cyclops Isles. The castle is surrounded by a coastline of lava reefs, where in summer locals sunbathe and swim on wooden platforms. You can reach it by city bus from Catania, and it can be combined with Aci Trezza, about 2 km away.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Aci Trezza & Cyclops Islands
- San Giovanni li Cuti
- Historical Museum of the Allied Landing in Sicily 1943
- Piazza Carlo Alberto Market (Fera 'o Luni)
- Teatro Massimo Bellini
- Villa Bellini
- Palazzo Biscari
- Roman Amphitheatre of Catania