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Description Homerus wrote in the Odyssey as the land where used to live the Lastrigons and others mythological figures. Who do not remember the tale of the capture of Ulisse by the Cyclops Polifemo? Nowadays the Faraglioni and Lachea Island are identified as the rocks flung by Polifemo at Ulisse and his fellows to stop their flight on the sea. Placed in a big inlet in the sicilian oriental coast, to the feet of a basaltic rock, Acicastello is an important seaside resort grown around the norman fortification from which takes the name, the Norman Castle, built in 1076. Today seat of the civic museum where are safeguarded minerals of the mount Etna and many archeological finds. Attractions: 
- The Faraglioni and the Lachea Island
These big formations of basaltic rock were born by the first volcanic manifestations of Mount Etna 500.000 years ago, when the mount Etna manifested an intense subaqueous eruptive activity.
Built in black lava stone, in this Castle you can admire the tower and the central part. For its strategic importance, the place was fortified in the roman age and destroyed by the arabic people. The construction of the castle as you can see, was done by romans when the island was conquered. After it was given to the bishops of Catania to safeguard the relics of saint Agate that were brought again from Costantinopoli. After the castle became witness of the struggle between Aragonesi of Sicily and Angioini of Naples at the end of XIII century. It was turned into a prison by the rein of Borbons. Today is a great museum of natural history.
Natural resources - Natural sea-reserve, the islands of Cyclops.
This natural reserve includes the archipelago of Cyclops, the Lachea island, the big Faraglione and the little one. The place has notable scientific value. It has got a rich fauna and flora. Typical Products The Acicastello cooking is influenced by the populations that ruled over it (Arabic people, Normans, French and Spanish people). Fresh fish is the most important part of every dish. Tipycal are the seafaring rice and the spaghetti with lobster; many types of grilled fish and alici a beccafico; among sweets cannoli and cassatelle with cottage cheese.
Festivities and events - The patronal festivity of S. Mauro 15 January, with the traditional launch of the balloons.
The Festivity of Saint Mauro Saint Mauro, Saint patron of the country, is celebrated on 15 of January. It seems that the origin of this festivity, has to be searched in the episode that saw a ship stranded in the gulf. Both the crew and the local population, prayed Saint Mauro whose relics were transported by that boat, that was soon saved. Every year, the festivity is announced by the sound of the bells, the band and fireworks. The relics of the Saint,brought in procession, are greeted by handkerchiefs shaked by faithful people.
Tags: catania acireale acitrezza acicastello riposto fiumefreddo mascali giarre - |
Sicilian pottery handicraft trades 
