Acquedolci (Sicilian: Acquaduci) is an Italian town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Messina in Sicily.

Acquedolci
Acquaduci o Acquaruci
Comune di Acquedolci
Location of Acquedolci
Map
Acquedolci is located in Italy
Acquedolci
Acquedolci
Location of Acquedolci in Italy
Acquedolci is located in Sicily
Acquedolci
Acquedolci
Acquedolci (Sicily)
Coordinates: 38°3′N 14°35′E / 38.050°N 14.583°E / 38.050; 14.583
CountryItaly
RegionSicily
Metropolitan cityMessina (ME)
Government
 • MayorAlvaro Riolo
Area
 • Total12 km2 (5 sq mi)
Elevation
15 m (49 ft)
Population
 (31 March 2016)[2]
 • Total5,739
 • Density480/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
DemonymAcquedolcesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
98070
Dialing code0941
Patron saintSt. Benedict the Moor
Saint dayApril 4
WebsiteOfficial website

Its name, that can be translated in English as "sweet waters", probably came from the fresh water springs which are part of the town territory. The inhabited centre was founded in 1922, following a landslide which damaged the town of San Fratello, forcing a large part of the population to relocate there. Acquedolci, which was a frazione of San Fratello, obtained comune status in 1969.

The history of Acquedolci has ancient origins that date back to Roman times. The name itself seems to derive from the fact that the ancient Romans, during the First Punic War, between 264 and 241 BC, identified an underwater spring off the coast that allowed them to supply water directly into the sea. During the Roman era, Acquedolci, crossed by the Consular Valeria, was a resting place where it was possible to change mules and exchange mail. The locality became part of the "Tavola Peutingeriana".

References

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  1. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. ^ "Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
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