Menu  

Search notary  

Sponsored links  

Sponsored links  

Sponsored links  

Catania map

Catania is the second largest city of Sicily, in Italy and is the capital of the province which bears its name. Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonizers from Chalcis in Euboea led by Euarchos. Initially called Ætna, after the volcano, the city was later known as Katane, that means "flaying knife, grater" because the city rises over a bristling lava stone land. In 476 B.C. it was subjugated to Ierone, tyrant of Siracusa, and the inhabitants were confined in the nearby Leontini. In 461 B.C., the inhabitants of Catania reconquered their city. In 1071 A.D. it was conquered by the Normans, and in 1195, with the advent of the Swabian dynasty, it experienced a long period of decadence. Subsequently, it was ruled by the Aragonese dynasty. Between 1669 and 1693, the city was devastated by a lava eruption first, and by a terrible earthquake afterwards. Among main touristic monuments and places to visit there are S. Nicolò Church and the annexed homonymous Benedictine Monastery, S. Giuliano Church, symbol of Catania's baroque, S. Maria di Gesù Church, the chapel of S. Agata, the city's patron saint, Ursino Castle, host of the Civico Museum and of the Picture Galleryand the Belliniano Museum.

Other information: E-mail: ufficiostampa@ctonline.it; Catania Zip Code: 95100; Patron Saint: Saint Agatha (February 5); Population Name: Catanesi; Useful telephone numbers: Catania City Hall: 095/7421111;