Discover Aci Catena

Aci Catena’s artistic heritage is spread throughout the municipality: monuments can be found from San Nicolò to Aci S. Filippo and Aci S. Lucia. To help you find your way around, it is useful to distinguish between the different highlights. Churches, palaces, a convent and the archaeological site of Santa Venera al Pozzo represent different themes—from sacred art and architecture to historic collections and landscapes.

Churches and sacred art

The largest church in the historic centre is the Santuario di Maria SS. della Catena, also known as Santa Maria della Catena or Matrice. Its frescoes and paintings include Rebecca al pozzo by Paolo Vasta. It also houses a statue of the Madonna della Catena dating back to at least 1630, and a fresco from 1400. The paintings, fresco and statue represent different forms of sacred art.

The architecture of the Basilica San Filippo d’Agira is especially striking: its floor plan is shaped like a Greek cross, and its façade features sixteen columns made of stone from Syracuse. Inside, three naves divide the space, while paired Doric columns support the high dome. Sacred objects also include a silver, tower-shaped ciborium and a handmade ivory reliquary box for the viaticum.

The Chiesa di Santa Lucia also brings together architectural history and decorative features. It was built in the 16th century and later rebuilt. The portal, windows and staircase are made of lava stone; inside, the church has a wooden coffered ceiling with floral motifs. Its different construction phases and use of various materials can be seen side by side.

Palaces, convent and historic art

The Palazzo Riggio is known for its carved portal and private chapel. The Palazzo della Cultura reflects the Baroque style typical of the period in which it was built. The two buildings thus offer distinct architectural highlights.

Built in 1636, the Convento Sant’Antonio da Padova, together with the Piano Umberto, defines the centre of Aci Catena. The lunettes in the cloister feature frescoes depicting the lives and work of Franciscan saints; a number of these were painted by Giovanni Lo Coco, known as il sordo di Aci. The convent library preserves valuable incunabula and Cinquecentine. The cloister and library thus bring together different forms of cultural heritage: frescoes and historic printed books.

Santa Venera al Pozzo and the landscape

The archaeological site of Santa Venera al Pozzo covers about nine hectares on a green hillside a few kilometres from the sea. The visitor route includes an antiquarium in the former Casa Pennisi, belonging to the Barons of Floristella. The materials on display there range from prehistoric times to the modern era and illustrate the history of Santa Venera al Pozzo. The site therefore spans a period extending far beyond any single historical era.

The Reitana Valley in Aci S. Filippo is considered a Greco-Roman valley and includes the archaeological site of Santa Venera al Pozzo. A different landscape characterises the Timpa between the hermitage of Sant’Anna and Tavolone: the area includes citrus groves and Mediterranean scrub, as well as Contrada Giglio. Archaeological history, historic buildings and these landscape features offer different ways to explore Aci Catena according to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Puntalazzo, Petrosino, San Giovanni Montebello, Belpasso, Pedara, Montargano, San Cono, Caltagirone

For the main travel overview: Catania.