The church of Santa Maria del Suffragio is a Baroque church in the centre of Acireale, at the end of via Romeo, where the strada della Marina passes through an opening in the old walls towards the Fortezza del Tocco and the sea. It was built between 1634 and 1638 at the initiative of Giuseppe Costarella, with the support of the neighbourhood towards the harbour, then home to fishermen, craftsmen and shopkeepers, and of an archconfraternity called della Domenica.
What to see
The church seems almost askew to the street and its façade faces the sea. According to tradition, it was wanted by the fishermen's wives, who, being poor, felt ill at ease in the rich and sumptuous churches attended by the town's nobility.
The earthquake of 1693 spared it, and the interior was later renewed by Pietro Paolo Vasta, who painted the frescoes on the walls and ceilings: on the vault is his Mystery of the Eucharist. In 1905 the church was declared a national monument.
Visiting
The church is at the end of via Romeo. Opening and service times should be checked with the parish.
Our editors' tip
To see more by Pietro Paolo Vasta, go up to the cathedral: his are the Glory of Saint Venera on the vault of the right transept, and the Adoration of the Shepherds and the Baptism of Christ on the altars of the right aisle.
