Catania - the city under the Volcano - Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)

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, among the largest in Italy, as evidenced also by the presence of important road and rail transport infrastructures as well as by the main airport in Sicily, fifth in Italy. It is located on Sicily's east coast, at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea. It is the capital of the 58-municipality region known as the Metropolitan City of Catania, which is the seventh-largest metropolitan city 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 center 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. 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 is a beautiful Sicilian town known for its breathtaking beauty and unique culture. Catania is an ancient city located at the foot of Mount Etna, the most famous active volcano in Europe. The city is known for its black beaches, formed from the volcanic ash deposits of Etna.

Catania is known for its rich history and culture. It has some of the most beautiful historical sights in Sicily, including the Cathedral of San Agata, the Cathedral of Catania and the Porta Uzeda. These buildings are a testament to the efforts of the people to make the city a better place to live.

Catania is also known for its culinary delights. The local cuisine is especially known for its fish dishes and pasta, prepared with fresh ingredients. There are also many local delicacies to try while strolling around the city.

Catania is a stunning and unique city that delights every visitor. It is a place that is well worth a visit. With its rich history, culture and cuisine, Catania is a black pearl that everyone must experience once.