Aci Trezza

Aci Trezza is a charming seaside village located on the east coast of Sicily, in the territory of Aci Castello, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Known for its unique profile drawn by the iconic Faraglioni dei Ciclopi, eight rocks of volcanic origin emerging from the waters, the village weaves landscape, history and myth into a timeless dimension. According to Homeric legend, these stacks were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses during his escape, and still give the place an epic and evocative aura.

The historical origins of Aci Trezza officially date back to the late 17th century, when Prince Stefano Riggio founded it as a strategic seaport, equipping it with warehouses for the trade of oil, iron, cold cuts and cheese. The village grew under the leadership of the Riggio family until the late 18th century, becoming a vital center for local economic life.

Today, Aci Trezza proudly preserves its seafaring vocation and deep cultural identity. Among the main attractions is the Marine Protected Area "Isole Ciclopi", important for its rich biodiversity and a destination for diving and nature trails along the lava coast. The spiritual heart of the village is the Church of St. John the Baptist, where solemn festivities are celebrated every June in honor of the patron saint, culminating in the evocative folk pantomime U Pisci a Mari, a scenic re-enactment of the life of fishermen.

A place charged with memory and symbolism is the Casa del Nespolo, identified as the home of Padron 'Ntoni from Giovanni Verga's I Malavoglia. Transformed into a museum, it houses objects related to seafaring tradition and a photographic section dedicated to Luchino Visconti's neorealist film La terra trema, shot in the village in 1948 with local inhabitants as actors. The village thus became an emblem of Italian literary and cinematic realism.

During the summer, Aci Trezza comes alive with nautical activities, boat excursions to Lachea Island-identified with the Homeric Island of the Goats-and convivial moments such as the Swordfish Festival, where it is possible to taste fish specialties prepared with the traditional "spadare" trezzote.

The local gastronomy reflects the Sicilian soul with arancini, caponate, parmigiane, cassate, cannoli, granite and a wide range of fresh fish dishes, first and foremost precisely swordfish. There is no shortage of handicrafts related to the sea, such as miniature boats and hand-embroidered fishing nets.

Walking around Aci Trezza is a journey between myth and reality, between the breath of the sea and the traces of a past that still speaks through its sights, its traditions and its lively community. A place that enchants not only for its natural beauty, but for the cultural and human value it holds.