Discovering the Water Route of Aci Catena

Nestled in the green hills between Aci Catena and Acireale, there is a trail that tells a story of water, land, and human ingenuity. Known as the Water Route or Sentiero dei Mulini ad Acqua, this scenic and cultural itinerary winds through the beautiful Reitana Valley, a place with roots in the Greco-Roman era.

The “Cuba” Springs and the Saia Mastra

The heart of the route is marked by the presence of several natural springs, locally known as “Cuba”, which once fed a masonry canal called the “Saia Mastra” — a vital waterway that supported both irrigation and milling in the region.

A Valley Shaped by Nature and Civilization

This unique landscape, formed by ancient Pleistocene clay deposits, has favored human settlement for centuries. Thanks to its mild climate and abundant water sources, the area developed a strong agricultural tradition. Archaeological findings such as pottery, coins, funerary urns, and ancient tombs confirm that this was once a thriving and well-populated territory.

The Roman Site of Santa Venera al Pozzo

One of the highlights of the route is the archaeological complex of Santa Venera al Pozzo, a Roman-era site where sulfur springs still flow to this day. The area has been considered sacred and therapeutic since antiquity.

The Mills and the “Fiera Franca”

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, during the Spanish rule, this region flourished thanks to the Fiera Franca — a tax-free market established by Alfonso the Magnanimous. It was during this prosperous period that many water mills were built to process grain, becoming key players in the local economy.

From Ruins to Restorations: Following the Ancient Mills

As you walk along the Piano Reitana, you’ll encounter some of the most iconic mills in the area, such as “Npacchiapa” and “Spezzacoddu”, their names echoing tales from local folklore — one after a kind-hearted woman, the other after a stern and feared man. Though some are now in ruins, their arched stonework (“caraffu”) and original mill structures remain visible, telling the story of centuries past.

On the Piano Pescheria side of the trail, you’ll reach Zia Nedda’s Mill, also known as Scardaci, now fully restored. From there, following Via Paratore, a pedestrian bridge leads to another mill called “U Mulinu a Via”.

The journey continues to Contrada Baracche, in the Acireale area, where you’ll find the Don Pippino Mill, before ending near Capo Mulini, where the final mill has been converted into a private residence.

A Trail to Experience Slowly

The Water Route of Aci Catena offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, walk through layers of history, and rediscover the ancient wisdom of water management. It’s a perfect experience for hikers, history lovers, families, and curious explorers, inviting them to walk alongside the whispering streams and listen to the silent stories carved into the stones of this remarkable land.