Church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi

The church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi is dedicated to the Madonna of the Address, also called Santa Maria dell'Itria. The history of the foundation of this church is closely linked to the evolution of the town of Aci Bonaccorsi which around 1500 was known as Neighborhood of the Bonaccursi of Jaci.

It consisted of three distinct and small-sized residential nuclei, and even if there are no certain historical documents that confirm the date of formation of the settlement, it is easy to assume that Aci Bonaccorsi was founded after 1408, as in that year there was a lava flow that heavily affected the area.

Over the years, the three districts united, creating a single structure, and in the last years of the 1500s work began on the construction of the church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi. The central position of the parish allowed the current development of the town which sees the mother church in the middle of Aci Bonaccorsi and the town that develops around it.

Some historical finds indicate 1589 as the year in which the church became a sacramental church and only in the early 1600s it became a parish. In 1629 the building underwent expansion works and despite the violent earthquake of 1693, the sanctuary did not suffer any damage. Further changes were made in the late 1700s, as was the bell tower which was revived in 1850 and again in 1960.

Church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi: architecture and works of art

The exterior of the church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi is very pleasant with a staircase that precedes it, a portal made with lava stone and mounted on the side facade and very harmonious ornamental reliefs that contribute to the aesthetic balance of the church.

In the bell tower there is a large bell built in 1817 and which the inhabitants of Aci Bonaccorsi affectionately call "the big bell". The interior of the mother church is spread over three naves and the walls are embellished with very elegant decorations.
It is possible to see high-level artistic works, such as the canvas dating back to the 1600s made by the school of Hyacinth Platania, the so-called Stoning of Saint Stephen, a statue of Santo Stefano Protomartire dating back to the XNUMXth century and a precious pipe organ.

One of the most interesting relics preserved in the church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi is the painting of the Annunciation, created in 1793 by the painter Vincenzo Sciuto.

Church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi: what to see in the surroundings

In the surroundings of the church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi there is much to do and to see, and those who come to this place to visit the Matrix cannot miss the opportunity to see the Etnamuseum and the hermitage of Sant'Anna, both a few kilometers away from the town of Aci Bonaccorsi.

The Etnamuseum, or also the Etna Museum, was born thanks to the collaboration between the "Friends of the Earth" Association and scientific organizations that are engaged locally, including the Etna Park and the University of Catania .

This gallery, which has 1500 square meters of exhibition space, tells the myths, history, theories, nature and typical products linked to the most active and famous volcano in Europe. The Etna Museum, within a few years, has become one of the most visited scientific centers in Sicily, and has also obtained various international awards.

Divided into thematic zones, it offers visitors a 3D cinema, a toy library and an earthquake simulator.

The hermitage of Sant'Anna was founded in 1751 and is located on a hill ad Aci San Filippo, from which you can admire one of the most beautiful panoramas in the area. Initially it was a small church made up of a couple of rooms, then a cistern was added to collect water and in 1756 cells and a chapel were added.

Over the years, the hermitage underwent various expansion and aesthetic improvement works, such as the internal flooring made of decorated Caltagirone ceramics, or the high altar in copper and chisel, enriched with multicolored marble inserts.

The most beautiful part is the internal one where the cloister and the Mediterranean garden can be visited.

Church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo in Aci Bonaccorsi: how to get there

Aci Bonaccorsi can be reached from all over Sicily, by car, train or bus. Those arriving by plane can easily land at Catania airport which is only 14 km from the town and once landed, continue the journey by renting a car or taking the train.

The closest railway station is that of Acireale which is only 5 km from Aci Bonaccorsi, and once you have reached the stop it is possible to continue the itinerary by bus.
Those intending to arrive by car can easily reach the church of Santa Maria dell'Indirizzo by taking the A18 motorway, exiting at Acireale and continuing for 3 km towards Aci Bonaccorsi, or by entering the Catania RA 15 ring road, exiting at the Etna countries and continuing for 3km following the signs for Aci Bonaccorsi.