Palazzo di Città di Acireale

On Piazza Duomo, Acireale’s Palazzo di Città has served as a civic seat since the jurists’ council established a permanent Loggia Giuratoria here in 1659. Rebuilt after earthquake damage, the palace combines dark basalt with pale limestone, wrought-iron balconies and carved masks.

Why it matters

The municipal palace faces the basilicas across Piazza Duomo and remains the historic seat of Acireale’s Municipal Council. Since 1833, the building has also housed the Accademia degli Zelanti e dei Dafnici, founded in 1671. A museum of historical uniforms grew from a local collection. Together, the palace and churches frame the civic and religious centre of the city.

What to notice

The facade contrasts dark Etna basalt with pale Syracuse limestone. Its two principal floors are arranged symmetrically around a central portal, with rusticated pilasters below and wrought-iron balconies above. The balcony rails swell outward in the local “petto d’oca” profile; grotesque masks, or mascheroni, decorate the corbels beneath them. The interior includes an atrium, courtyard and ceremonial staircase. The academy’s rooms and Sala Costarelli adjoin the historical-uniform collection, which includes French Imperial dress, German Empire helmets and Savoy horse trappings.

Context and history

Civic government here grew out of the old jurists' council, which in 1659 built itself a permanent Loggia Giuratoria on the square. The January 1693 earthquake heavily damaged the structure. The rebuilding that shaped its present appearance took place between 1783 and 1785 to designs by Acireale architect Costantino Larcidiacono. The 1818 earthquake prompted further consolidation, with final restorations recorded as complete in 1908. The Accademia degli Zelanti e dei Dafnici, founded in 1671, moved its meetings here in 1833. In the twentieth century, the historical-uniform collection grew around Aldo Scaccianoce’s holdings; it was later transferred to the Sicilian Region and enlarged in 2011 for the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. The palace is protected as a state heritage property.