Aci Castello

Aci Castello
Jaci Casteḍḍu
Comune
Comune di Aci Castello

The Castello Normanno at Aci Castello

Coat of arms
Aci Castello

Location of Aci Castello in Italy

Coordinates: 37°33′20″N 15°08′45″E / 37.55556°N 15.14583°E / 37.55556; 15.14583Coordinates: 37°33′20″N 15°08′45″E / 37.55556°N 15.14583°E / 37.55556; 15.14583
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Province Catania (CT)
Frazioni Aci Trezza, Ficarazzi, Cannizzaro
Government
  Mayor Silvestra Raimondo (since May 27, 2004)
Area
  Total 8 km2 (3 sq mi)
Elevation 15 m (49 ft)
Population (31 December 2013)
  Total 18,587
  Density 2,300/km2 (6,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Castellesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
  Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 95021
Dialing code 095
Patron saint San Mauro Abate
Saint day January 15
Website Official website

Aci Castello (Sicilian: Jaci Casteḍḍu) is a comune in the Province of Catania in Sicily, Italy. The city is located 9 kilometres (6 mi) north of Catania on the Mediterranean coast. 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.

History

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. 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.

Panoramic view of the Norman castle of Aci Castello, 1990
Section of the Norman castle

Main sights

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