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Catania - History |
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Famous
battles were fought against Syracuse, Athens and Carthage. There are many
legends which relate Mount Etna and the city of Catania. One of the most
fascinating involves the philosopher Empedocle who was said to have
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The
history of Catania and its province is closely linked to that of Mount
Etna, the volcano overlooking the city. Catania has ancient origins; in
fact, its foundation dates back to the late 8th century BC, when the
Chaldeans from nearby Naxos established the first settlements. In the
following centuries there came war, destruction and subsequent
reconstruction.
disappeared
into the crater, leaving only his sandals to be found by his students on
the slopes of Etna, darkened from the lava and volcanic ash - a revenge
for having dared to mock Etna. Even today, there are violent eruptions,
like the one which destroyed Catania in 1669. The volcano and a number of
earthquakes (the worst ones in the 12th century and in 1693) slowed down
the development of the city, which had been rather prosperous in the
Aragon Age (in 1434, the first University of the island, "Almo
Studio", had been founded).
The
present structure of the city is that of the reconstruction carried out in
the 17th century after the earthquake, and many buildings are still in
Baroque style. The recent economic growth of Catania is based mainly on
the development of small and medium companies. The "Milan of the
South" - as it is often referred to - has now strengthened its
transport and communication systems, but above all has witnessed the
growth of a number of new centres. Most people will remember Catania and
its province as the birthplace of Verga, Bellini, and Vitaliano Brancati.
