When was catania founded

This imposing structure was built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century on a rocky cliff overlooking the sea. However, the massive lava spill of the eruption pushed the sea back, creating in one fail swoop a new coastline and stripping Castello Ursino of its strategic position. Moving back northwards you will come across a rather different aspect of the city: its ancient origins.

It subsequently became a Roman city and amazingly, considering the dramatic series of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that have so afflicted the area, three theatres have survived from this period.

Its use of lava stone demonstrates how long the excretions of Etna have been put to good use. Next door is the Odeon, a smaller theatre used for more intimate occasions, such as musical performances. The amphitheatre, found in Piazza Stesicoro at the crossroads of Via Etnea and Corso Sicilia is and not usually open to the public, though can be viewed from outside.

It is well worth enquiring about a special tour, however, as it was the largest amphitheatre in Sicily, said to accommodate around 15, spectators. A fascinating warren of passages runs underneath it, bringing to mind its more famous cousin the Colosseum. A short walk north east will take you to another building dedicated to his memory, the opera house Teatro Massimo Bellini. The opera season runs from around October to June and is well worth a visit if opera is your thing.

After a performance you could go for a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in the area. The signature dish of Catania, Pasta alla Norma, is also dedicated to Bellini and consists of fried chunks of aubergine, a rich tomato sauce and salty ricotta cheese Buon appetito! Villas in Sicily near Catania. Insider tip: IIf you're feeling peckish, do as the locals do, and head for Bar Savia in Via Etnea: they have some of the best arancini and cannoli you are likely to find!

Fortune was less than favourable to Catania over the course of history. Although it came to prominence as a commercial and maritime centre under the Normans again, the earthquake of with 15, deaths and the devastation caused by Emperor Henry VI of Hohenstaufen in led to tough times yet again for the city.

It was not until that Catania gained importance again thanks to the establishment of the university , the oldest in Sicily and one of the oldest in Italy, by the Spanish House of Aragon and became the second largest city in Sicily.

The late 16 th and 17 th Century saw some significant developments in the history of Catania. In a major part of the population died due to the plague; in a lava flow destroyed the western part of the city; and, in a heavy earthquake destroyed the rest of Catania. Even if the dark lava stone often seems gloomy, the city pulsates with life today and many young people, students and tourists cavort in the streets.

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OK Read More. Before it was rebuilt, some resourceful students, who were filled with endless determination and were also completely untroubled by such events, moved their classes to wooden huts near the harbour.

The new current building, designed by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, is a magnificent as well as exemplary monument of Baroque architecture. Not only was the University of Catania structurally powerful but it also held the exclusive right by Royal Decree to grant degrees within the Reign of Sicily. Although the hierarchical powers of the university were until then in the hands of the Church, at the beginning of the 18th century, the Rector, like in all ancient universities, began being elected from final-year students and was the acting protector and advocate for students themselves.

Plus, they would be granted other privileges too. Twenty-five bell chimes from the Cathedral would mark the beginning of each academic year and throughout that time frame, a porter was supposed to check the presence of each professor.