Acireale

Infobox CityIT
img_coa = Acireale-Stemma.png official_name = Comune di Acireale
region = Sicily
province = Catania (CT)
elevation_m = 102
area_total_km2 = 39
population_as_of = May 2005
population_total = 52394
population_density_km2 =1246
timezone = CET, UTC+1
coordinates = coord|37|37|N|15|10|E
frazioni = see list
telephone = 095
postalcode = 95024
gentilic = Acesi
saint = S. Venera and St. Sebastian
day = July 26 and January 20
mayor = Antonino Garozzo (since June 28, 2004)
website = [http://www.comune.acireale.ct.it// www.comune.acireale.ct.it]
Acireale ("Aciriali" in Sicilian; often shortened to "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 neogothic cathedral, Saint Peter's Basilica, and its paintings, such as The "Basilica di San Sebastiano" whose shapes summarize the entire baroque movement in Sicily. The oldest academy in Sicily, the "Accademia dei Dafnici e degli Zelanti" is located here.

In addition to the numerous churches, mostly in the baroque style, it is a diocese. As of 2008, 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 for it holds 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 is famous throughout Sicily for it's spectacular floats, costumes, and parades during the season of carnival. It attracts many tourists and visitors.

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, San Giovanni Bosco.