Description of the attraction
Achi Castello is a small town located in the Catania province of Sicily, 9 km north of the city of Catania. The city lies on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by picturesque settlements - Achi Catena, San Gregorio di Catania, Valverde. Nearby is Acireale - a popular resort famous for its thermal springs and colorful carnival. The main sectors of the economy of Achi Castello are agriculture and industry.
Achi Castello grew up around an ancient castle, built in 1076 by the Normans on the ruins of a 7th century Byzantine fortress. In 1169, after the eruption of Etna, many of the surrounding settlements became uninhabitable, Achi Castello began to develop. And the castle later became the property of the bishops of Catania.
In 1296, Ruggiero di Lauria, who commanded the Aragonese fleet during the infamous Sicilian Vespers, received Achi Castello and the castle as a feudal possession for his successes in the service of King Frederick III of Sicily. And when the relationship between the two men began to come to naught, and di Lauria swore allegiance to the Anjou dynasty, the castle was besieged and captured by Frederick III. Di Lauria was deprived of his feudal rights. In 1320, Aci and the castle became the property of Blasco II de Alagona. And when he defended Palermo from the attack of the troops of the Angevins, a certain Bertrando di Balzo attacked the city and plundered it.
Today Achi Castello is a small town visited by tourists to explore the old Norman castle. The castle now houses a historical museum. The city is also famous for its beach in the Achi Trezza quarter.
