Acate, Italian comune
Acate is a small town in southern Italy within the province of Ragusa in Sicily, set on flat land. Its center features stone buildings with tile roofs, narrow streets, and open squares where history is visible in the architecture and layout.
Originally named Biscari, this town has been documented since at least the 14th century. It was renamed in 1938 to honor the ancient Roman name for the nearby river, and was rebuilt following the 1693 earthquake that destroyed the original settlement.
The name Acate derives from the nearby Dirillo River, which Romans called the Achates. Residents gather in small cafes and squares, maintaining traditions of local festivals with processions and regional food that shape everyday community life.
Acate is located about 21 miles (34 kilometers) from Ragusa and is easily accessible for those exploring rural Sicily. The flat terrain and quiet streets make walking through town pleasant at any time of year, thanks to mild summers and gentle winters.
During World War II, Acate was the site of the Biscari Massacre, a tragic wartime event now remembered as part of the town's history. This difficult chapter serves as a sobering reminder of the hardships the region endured and is preserved in local memory.
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