This morning Peter and I were picked up by cousin Rosario, his wife Patricia and their daughters Luana and Valentina. Fiorella also joined us for a Granita and Brioche in Acireale. 

After breakfast we walked around Acireale, were we visited Corso Umberto, The main shopping strip where Peter and I did some shopping . 

 Whilst in town we visited the Basilica di Sebastiano and Cathedral of Acireale, dedicated to Maria Santissima Annunziata, located in the homonymous and scenic Piazza, the heart of the historic centre of Acireale. The beautiful building’s structure dates back to the fifth century, but was later reconstructed, after the 1693 earthquake, with baroque re-facings. On the outside, of particular interest, is the seventeenth century marble entrance depicting the Annunciation and the two bell towers that rise on either side of the façade in a harmonious Gothic-Roman style. Its large structure is divided into three aisles. Inside, is the city’s patron saint chapel of Santa Venera, which is finely decorated with sixth century frescoes. There are also various relics and a fercolo of silver that is used to take the Santa on procession during the patronal festival. 
 
The town of Acireale owes its origins to the local populous who settled in the fertile area close to the sea with abundant fresh waters .Colonized by the Greeks, it became a Roman town named Akis. It was the Byzantines who most probably built, around the eighth century, the castle of Aci to defend against Muslim hordes. In the medieval period, the town was the subject of numerous raids by foreign invaders, which is why many families left Acireale to situate themselves in safer areas, and why the small towns that sprang up in the area still bear the initial Aci in their name.The earthquake of 1693 was a dramatic event in Acireale, destroying most of the buildings of that time: however, the reconstruction, brought many noble palaces, wide streets paved in slabs of lava stone, and important monuments. Lastly, in 1873, it was inaugurated as the prominent spa of Santa Venera. 

Also to be admired, is the perfection of the sundial made ​​in 1843 by the German scholar Peters.In the same square is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, flanked by a single bell tower, expected to be a twin, but never realized.

We were invited for lunch to Zio Paolo and his wife Zia Maria's house in Zafferana, going us for lunch was Rosario and his family who live adjacent to Zio Paolo . For Lunch Zia cooked up a delicious storm of home made pasta and meatballs. We enjoyed their hospitality and company very much. I am overwhelmed at the generosity of my Mother's family and of my relatives acceptance towards my partner Peter.

After lunch Rosario and his wife Patricia, gave a tour of their home, which they were still doing works on. It's funny a carpenter completes other people's projects, but never their own.

In the late afternoon Fiorella took us shopping to a mall called 'Italia Moda' whee Peter and I bought some shorts and t/shirts. 

For dinner Fiorella, Nuncio, Peter and I were invited to Zia Carmen and Zio Roberto's house for dinner. Ketty, Maurizio, Guigliemo, Tony and Giovanna were all present on the evening. Dinner was Alfresco on their balcony and Zia Carmen with the help of Ketty had cooked up a beautiful five course meal. Peter, especially loved the pistachio and Almond involtini . 

Ketty was naughty and gave Peter and i a lovely gift of beach towels in their own bags. Zia Carmen however gave us a Caltagirone Ceramic head of a King weighing quite a bit. I wasn't sure if we could accept it, given that we had still to travel through Italy and the issue of excess luggage! Peter said, "How can we not accept it!" and said that we would work it out. Thanking Zia Carmen for her generous gift, we accepted. 

The night came to an end and sadly, goodbye hugs and kisses were exchanged. I said to my Zia Carmen, that hopefully it would not be another 22 years before we visit again.