Acireale (Sicily)

Acireale is a coastal city in the north-east of the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy, at the foot of Mount Etna, on the coast facing the Ionian Sea. It is home to numerous churches, including the Neo-Gothic St. Peter's Basilica, St. Sebastian's Basilica in the Sicilian Baroque style, and the 17th century Acireale Cathedral, and a seminary, for the training of priests. Acireale is also noted for its art and paintings: the oldest academy in Sicily, the "Accademia dei Dafnici e degli Zelanti", is located here. The Carnival ofAcireale has now become one of the most popular and colorful of Sicily. The festivities go on for over a week, with flowered floats and parading masked groups in a joyful collegiate atmosphere.