Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Unveiling History at Aci Castello's Norman Castle on Sicily's Eastern Coast

(Pronounced: Ah-chee Cos-TELL-oh)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Currency Converter

We were cruising along the picturesque eastern coast of Sicily on a tour bus, leaving behind the bustling energy of Catania.

Our destination was Aci Castello, a charming town guarding a hidden gem – an 11th-century Norman Castle. Steeped in history, this castle was originally built upon an even older Greek fortification, and it has undergone centuries of expansion and reinforcement.

The days of military might are only whispers of the past.

Today, the Norman Castle stands as a museum open to the public.

Our entrance tickets to the Land of the Cyclops!

The city museum is located within the Castle itself.

It houses a collection of archaeological artifacts, including Greek, Roman, and medieval pottery, coins, and sculptures.

To be honest, I was mostly interested in the view!

Castello Normanno in the Ionian Sea

The Norman Castle sits on a lava outcrop and makes a striking statement.

The Ionian Sea, traditionally considered to be part of the Adriatic sea, is now recognized as its own body of water. It's also the deepest part of the Mediterranean Sea.

Marc Antony and Cleopatra were defeated here in this sea by Octavian which paved the way for the Roman Empire.

This sea was also a vital trade route throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Entrance stairs to the castle

The building of this castle dates back to at least the 11th century.

Medieval castles often had different means of access, like drawbridges or ladders, prioritizing defense over ease of entry.

The castle can only be entered from the square by means of this stone stairway, which at one time also had a wooden drawbridge.

View of the town Aci Castello

In 1169 Mount Etna had a huge eruption, making towns in the vicinity uninhabitable. So Aci Castello started to expand as a town because of this event.

The hills in the background of Aci Castello are the result of the earth sinking due to the movement and release of the magma underneath.

As the earth in the foreground sank, it gave rise to "hills" in the background.

Aci Castello seafront promenade

This view of the town of Aci Castello shows you the Lungomare or seafront promenade.

This scenic walkway is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and the iconic faraglioni or sea stacks, jutting out from the water.

Along this promenade are restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias, offering a variety of food and drink options. This seafront walkway is a great place to relax on any of the numerous benches and people-watch or make a new friend.

Billy met one such friend today, a Professor who was a young boy in WWII when the Allies bombed Sicily. They destroyed his small village, and somehow, after the war, he went to the University in Catania to study History and philosophy.

You can also take a boat tour around the faraglioni or to the nearby caves, or watch the local fishermen bring in their catches.

Blazing bougainvilleas in the castle garden

The castle has a small botanical garden and here you see the bougainvillea bushes in full bloom.

These archways lead to different parts of the castle.

Notice the small stones of the flooring, all laid down by hand by the workers centuries ago.

A broader view of the botanical gardens

The Orto Botanico is located on the grounds of the Castello Normanno.

The garden was founded in the 18th century and houses a collection of plants from all over the world.

From here you have an expansive view of the Ionian Sea and the village of Aci Castello below.

Passageways and staircase to the tower

Up these stairs, the view from here is panoramic.

Another view of Aci Castello from the Castle

You can see how craggy the shoreline is, and that the town of Aci Catello itself lies on a volcanic shelf.

Taking it all in, one can imagine the history that has transpired over the centuries; the people, the power struggles, the conquests, the desire for survival...

Greeks, Romans, Normans, and volcanic eruptions all leaving their mark.

Would we recommend a visit to the castle?

Yes!

The castle is worth seeing whether or not you come here by car, motorbike or tour bus.

The castle and museum are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00.

Admission to the castle and museum is 4Euros for adults and 2Euros for children.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

HOME   Book Store

Retire Early Lifestyle Blog      About Billy & Akaisha Kaderli      Press     Contact     20 Questions     Preferred Links    

Retirement     Country Info     Retiree Interviews      Commentary     REL Videos