~~The seaside village of Acicastello is located about 10 km from Catania. It marks the beginning of the Cyclops Riviera, known as such because, according to Greek mythology, the area was inhabited by the Cyclopes, giants with one large eye on their forehead. On the highest point of the lava cliff is the castle, which was built in the eleventh century by the Normans. Inside is the museum of Acicastello, which exhibits a valuable archaeological, paleontological and mineralogical collection and a small botanical garden. Next to the castle is the ancient Mother Church, inside of which are some valuable paintings by Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760).