The church of San Domenico is a neoclassical church in the centre of Acireale, facing piazza San Domenico. At the beginning of the sixteenth century a church dedicated to Saint Joseph stood on the site and gave its name to the surrounding neighbourhood. In 1639 a plan for a convent of Dominican friars beside the church was approved; in 1659, for lack of friars, the convent was closed for two years.
What to see
The convent was beginning to prosper when the earthquake of 1693 badly damaged the buildings: the church was rebuilt in 1709, and today's façade is mainly the result of a reconstruction in 1857.
From the square a flight of lava stone steps rises to the projecting portico with Ionic columns. Above the portal, in the centre, is the statue of Saint Dominic kneeling in his vision of the Virgin and Child.
Visiting
The church is in piazza San Domenico. Opening and service times should be checked with the parish.
Our editors' tip
On the same square, south of the church, look at the curved façade of Palazzo Musmeci, a late Baroque palace of the Musmeci barons with small balconies on the second floor and a courtyard with statues.
