Catania - the city under the Volcano - Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Catania, Italy
07.09.2022
Catania – the black pearl at the volcano
Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Catania is a city with a long and rich history. Its historic center, built in the Baroque style, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as "the black pearl at the volcano" due to its close proximity to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in Europe. The city is a stunning blend of ancient and modern, with its black lava stone buildings and vibrant culture.
The history of Catania dates back to the 8th century BC, when it was founded by Greek colonists from Chalcis. It became an important city in the Roman Empire and was later ruled by the Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish, each leaving their mark on its architecture and culture. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the devastating earthquakes and eruptions of Mount Etna led to the reconstruction of the city in the Baroque style, giving it its unique look.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Catania is the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, dedicated to the city's patron saint. It was originally built in the 11th century and underwent numerous renovations over the centuries, resulting in its current Baroque style. Inside, visitors can admire the ornate marble decorations and the relics of Saint Agatha.
The Ursino Castle, built in the 13th century by Frederick II, is another must-see attraction. It served as a royal residence and fortress and now houses a museum with a collection of art and artifacts from different periods in Catania's history.
For a taste of the city's vibrant culture, a visit to the Fish Market is a must. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is a bustling place with vendors selling fresh seafood and local delicacies. It is also a great spot to people-watch and soak in the lively atmosphere.
As a coastal city, Catania also offers beautiful beaches, such as La Playa and San Giovanni Li Cuti, where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking in the vibrant culture of Sicily, Catania is a must-visit destination. Its unique blend of ancient and modern, combined with its stunning location at the foot of Mount Etna, make it a truly unforgettable experience.
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The eight towns in south-eastern Sicily: Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli, were all rebuilt after 1693 on or beside towns existing at the time of the earthquake which took place in that year. They represent a considerable collective undertaking, successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement. Keeping within the late Baroque style of the day, they also depict distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building.
Catania (, also UK: , US: ; Sicilian and Italian: [kaˈtaːnja] ) is the second-largest municipality in Sicily, after Palermo, both by area and by population. Despite its reputation as the second city of the island, Catania is the largest Sicilian conurbation, and among the largest in Italy. It has important road and rail transport infrastructures, and hosts the main airport in Sicily (fifth-largest in Italy). The city is located on Sicily's east coast, facing the Ionian Sea at the base of the active volcano Mount Etna. It is the capital of the 58-municipality region known as the Metropolitan City of Catania, which is the seventh-largest metropolitan area in Italy. The population of the city proper is 311,584, while the population of the Metropolitan City of Catania is 1,107,702.
Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian Greeks in Magna Graecia. The city has weathered multiple geologic catastrophes: it was almost completely destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1169. A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake.
During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centres. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434. It has been the native or adopted home of some of Italy's most famous artists and writers, including the composers Vincenzo Bellini and Giovanni Pacini, and the writers Giovanni Verga, Luigi Capuana, Federico De Roberto and Nino Martoglio.
Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial centre of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy. The central "old town" of Catania features exuberant late-baroque architecture, prompted after the 1693 earthquake, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
