Aci Catena: Churches, Monastery and Archaeological Heritage

Aci Catena’s artistic heritage extends across the entire municipal area. Monuments can be found from San Nicolò through Aci S. Filippo to Aci S. Lucia. If you are looking for a hotel in Aci Catena, this distribution can help you plan your visit: decide which areas and cultural sites should be the focus of your trip.

Churches with a Special History

The Santuario di Maria SS. della Catena, also known as Santa Maria della Catena or Matrice, is the largest church in the historic center of Aci Catena and houses several frescoes and paintings, including Rebecca al pozzo by Paolo Vasta. It also contains a statue of the Madonna della Catena dating from at least 1630 and a fresco from the year 1400. The Chiesa di Santa Lucia was built in the 16th century and later rebuilt. Its portal, windows and staircase are made of lava stone; there is also a wooden coffered ceiling with floral motifs.

Basilica and Religious Art

The Basilica San Filippo d’Agira has a different architectural focus. Its floor plan forms a Greek cross; the façade features sixteen columns made of stone from Syracuse. Inside, there are three naves whose double Doric columns support the high dome. The furnishings include a silver, tower-shaped ciborium and a handmade ivory reliquary box for the Viaticum.

Convento Sant’Antonio da Padova

In the center of Aci Catena, the Convento Sant’Antonio da Padova, built in 1636, together with Piano Umberto, defines the town center. Its cloister lunettes are decorated with frescoes depicting the life and work of Franciscan saints; a number of them were created by Giovanni Lo Coco, whose nickname was il sordo di Aci. The library houses valuable incunabula and sixteenth-century books.

Palazzi and Baroque Forms

Individual palazzi also make their own mark. Palazzo Riggio is known for its carved portal and private chapel. Palazzo della Cultura reflects the Baroque style typical of the period in which it was built.

Santa Venera al Pozzo

In the Santa Venera al Pozzo archaeological area, the visitor route includes an antiquarium in the former Pennisi house of the Barons of Floristella. It contains materials dating from prehistory to the modern era, illustrating the history of Santa Venera al Pozzo. The area extends across a landscaped hill a few kilometers from the sea and covers approximately nine hectares.

Landscape Between Valley and Mediterranean Maquis

The landscape includes the Reitana Valley in Aci S. Filippo, which, together with the Santa Venera al Pozzo archaeological area, is considered a Greco-Roman valley. The Timpa between the hermitage of Sant’Anna and Tavolone is a landscape area with citrus groves and Mediterranean maquis; the area of Contrada Giglio is also part of it.

CineNostrum in Aci Catena

CineNostrum is a summer film event in Aci Catena. It offers audiences opportunities to meet actors, directors and film critics; CineNostrum was held in the Area Archeologica Santa Venera al Pozzo.

More destinations for your trip to Italy: Aci Sant'antonio, Piedimonte Etneo, Carruba, Acireale, Nicolosi, San Cono, Giarre, Nunziata

To the main travel overview: Catania.