Aci Trezza
Aci Trezza (Sicilian: Jaci Trizza) is a town in Sicily, southern Italy, a frazione of the comune of Aci Castello, c. 10 km north of Catania, with a population of around 5,000 people.
Located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, the village has a long history of maritime activity. Aci Trezza is a popular spot for Italian vacationers in the summer. The patron Saint of the town is St. John the Baptist. The Festa of San Giovanni is celebrated each year during the last week of June 24 in his honor.
The Islands of the Cyclops
Of the coast of Aci Trezza are three tall, column-shaped islands. According to local legend, these great stones are the ones thrown at Odysseus in The Odyssey. The islands are referred to as the "isole dei ciclopi" (islands of the Cyclops, or Cyclopean Isles) by locals. This compliments the notion that the Cyclops once had a smithy below Mount Etna, which looms over the village to the northwest.
Cultural references
Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia ("The House by the Medlar Tree") is set in Aci Trezza.
In 1948 Luchino Visconti filmed his neo-realist film La terra trema, based on Verga's novel I Malavoglia, in Aci Trezza. The entire cast were local inhabitants rather than professional actors. A small museum dedicated to the film can be found in the town, and is run by one of the cast members.
Notes and references
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Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Acitrezza. |
Casalaina, Concettina (1929). Acitrezza. Breve studio monografico. Catania: Tip. Ingrassia.
Coordinates: 37°33′49″N 15°09′41″E / 37.56361°N 15.16139°E