Famous worldwide for its almonds and fine wine, Avola is a stunning town worth visiting.
Located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, the town of Avola lies right between Syracuse and Noto. Almost completely rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1693 that devastated the entire Val di Noto, today Avola is a charming town, famous not only for its almonds and wine, but also for its hexagonal historic center and its golden beaches overlooking the blue Ionian Sea.
If you are in the area, below you'll find a list of monuments and attractions you cannot miss!
What to see in Avola
We begin our tour of the city of almonds right from its historic center. The city center of Avola stands out for its unique hexagonal shape. The two main streets, Corso Garibaldi and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, meet in the heart square of the hexagon, Piazza Umberto I. The small squares (quartini) formed were the gathering spot for the different groups of workers, such as merchants, bricklayers, farm laborers and various other professionals.
On one side of the square the large Mother Church stands proudly. Rebuilt in the late Baroque period, the church was initially dedicated to St. Nicolas. Today, however, the sacred building houses the simulacrum of St. Sebastian, who the people of Avola are very devoted to. Worthy of admiration are the Baroque-style chapels with statues of Our Lady of the Light, from Malta, and the Immaculate Conception. Also splendid is the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Inside the chapels are Rococo stuccoes and the painting of "Noah's Sacrifice"; also on the sides are "The Deposition" from 1778 and the Crucifix used in the Good Friday procession preceding Easter.
In the four squares created by the intersection of the two main streets, there are as many churches. One can visit the Church of Santa Venera, the Church of St. Anthony Abbot, the Church of the SS. Annunziata or Badia, and the Church of St. John the Baptist. In addition, the Town Hall, the Old Market, and the Garibaldi Theater can also be visited.
The Garibaldi Theater is a majestic building inaugurated in 1876 and later named after the memory of Giuseppe Garibaldi. The theater has an elegant facade in neo-Renaissance style; inside, the stalls are horseshoe-shaped and surmounted by three tiers of boxes with gilded relief decorations. The vault is decorated with the painting of the Muses dancing by painter Gregorio Scalia.
Near the theater we find the Church of Santa Venera, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Inside, the sacred building has a Latin cross plan and is divided into three naves and three arches. The high altar houses the frame of the oval painting depicting Santa Venera.
A true masterpiece of Baroque art is definitely the Church of the SS. Annunziata, or Badia, built in the second half of the 18th century.
Among the most representative buildings in Avola's historic center is the Old Market, the city's greatest example of neoclassical architecture. The building was renovated in the early 2000s and today is the seat of the Municipal Library.
Avola's Tonnara
Outside the historic center, the Tonnara of Avola is certainly worth mentioning. It is an important testimony to the history of the city and also of Sicilian history. Avola's Tonnara was one of the largest and most active on the island. Nowadays only ruins can be admired, which, nevertheless, are of timeless charm. Built in 1633, the Tonnara was in a perfect strategic position. After the devastating earthquake of 1693, the Tonnara was bought by the Tornabene family, who had it renovated and operational again. Next to the Tonnara was the old fishing village, where the fishermen lived.
The Almond Museum
Avola is world famous for its wine, the very famous Nero d'Avola, and for its almonds. If you're a bit of a dried fruit lover, the museum dedicated specifically to the almond is a must-see. The museum is located in an old farmhouse, once owned by a family of producers. The building, after being abandoned by the owners, as it was in jeopardy of decay, was purchased by the municipality. It is now the Almond Museum: inside there are several period photos on display, along with tools tracing the various stages of almond processing. The various machines used for shelling and sizing and a copper bassina can also be admired. The latter was used for the production of tasty almond-filled confetti.
The Nature Reserve of Cavagrande del Cassabile
The Nature Reserve of Cavagrande del Cassabile is a protected natural area: it extends across the municipalities of Avola, Noto and Syracuse. The Reserve was established to conserve the many treasures of this territory, both naturalistic, archaeological and anthropological in nature. The entire area, in fact, has been inhabited for millennia: witness the remarkable tombs and countless artifacts.
What to taste in Avola
Known as the city of almonds and wine, one cannot visit Avola without tasting its most celebrated products. The Avola almond is known worldwide for its quality: it is also protected by a special consortium that certifies every single step in the processing and marketing of this extraordinary product. There are three cultivars of Avola: Pizzuta d'Avola, Fascionello, and Corrente d'Avola or Romana. With a perfect oval shape, the Avola almond, in addition to being healthy and of excellent quality, is also used in the preparation of various dishes, from first courses to desserts.
The other product of excellence of the city is definitely the wine, the famous Nero d'Avola. This is a famous Sicilian black grape variety. The wines produced from these grapes are exported and appreciated all over the world. They are wines of strong character. Their bouquet evokes various scents, depending on the origin of production of the wine you are tasting: some smell of spices and violets and others of red berry fruit.
