Aci Castello, Norman castle and coastal settlement in Catania, Italy
Aci Castello stretches along the eastern Sicilian coast with black sand beaches and volcanic rock formations rising about 15 meters above sea level. The medieval castle stands on a massive black basalt rock that rises directly from the Mediterranean, creating natural defensive structures.
The castle was built between 1076 and 1081 on earlier Byzantine fortifications and served as a strategic defensive point against maritime raids for centuries. Its construction marked an important phase of Norman control over Sicily's coastlines during the Middle Ages.
The town hosts traditional Sicilian festivals throughout the year where locals prepare regional seafood dishes and perform folk dances in the streets.
Regular bus services connect the town to Catania airport and train station with departures every 30 minutes during peak hours from the central square. The beaches are easily accessible on foot and the town has basic amenities like restaurants and small shops.
The name comes from the Aci river, rooted in Greek mythology and referring to a mortal lover of the sea nymph Galatea. This mythological connection shapes the character of the region and appears in several place names along the coast.
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