Hotels & Holidays in Catania Sicily ItalyCatania is the second largest city in Sicily, Italy, and the capital of the province with the same name. It is located on the eastern coast of the island, at halfway between Messina and Syracuse, at the foots of the active volcano Etna. To Catania travel today many people looking for relaxing holidays in Sicily, Italy, and consequently there have been developed several great hotels and resorts.
This Sicilian city has also Greek roots. The exact date of its foundation is not recorded, but the historian Thucydides think that it was founded shortly after the city of Lentini, that he places in 730 BCE. The most important event of its ancient history which has been transmitted to us is the legislation of Charondas, but even this date is uncertain.
Its position at the foots of volcano Etna was the source, as the historian Strabo remarks, both of benefits and drawbacks! The violent outbursts of the volcano from time to time destroyed great parts of its territory, but the volcanic ashes produced great fertility, adapted especially for the growth of grape.
One of the most serious calamities was the eruption from 121 BCE, when a great part of the city was overwhelmed by streams of lava and the hot ash fall in so large quantity that it destroyed the roofs of the houses!
The port of Catania, today mostly filled up by the eruption from 1669, was very frequented in ancient times, being the main place of corn export resulted from the rich neighboring plains.
Tourist Attractions - Etna Volcano & OthersMount Etna is an active volcano located on the eastern coast of Sicily, close to Messina and Catania. It is the largest active volcano in Europe, with 3,326 meters (10,910 feet) being also the highest mountain situated south to Alps.
Mount Etna is actually one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is into an almost constant state of eruption! Although it was occasionally very destructive, nowadays is generally considered not very dangerous. The fertile volcanic soil support extensive agriculture from ancient times, with vineyards and orchards spread across the lower slopes of the mountain.
Volcano Etna is one of the best known Italian tourist attrcations and as result it draws every year more and more tourists. Town of Catania benefits on its popularity, being one of the most visited Sicilian holiday resorts. Due to the large number of vacationers who spend holidays in this region of Sicily, in the entire area have been developed many hotels, villas and other types of rental properties.
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