Holidays In Catania - Tourist Attractions In Sicily

Catania 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 genuine tourist attractions and relaxing holidays in Sicily, Italy. As result of the large number of voyagers, there have been developed a series of hotels and resorts.

City of Catania 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 that has been transmitted to us is the legislation of Charondas, but even this date is uncertain.

The position of Catania at the foothill of volcano Etna was the source, as 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 but still one of the important tourist attractions, was very frequented in ancient times, being the main place of corn export resulted from the rich neighboring plains.

Mount 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.

Etna is actually one of the most active volcanos 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 and representing today picturesque holiday attractions to people taking sightseeing tours on the island.

Volcano Etna is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Italy, and as a result it draws every year more and more visitors. Town of Catania benefits on its popularity, being one of the most visited holiday resorts in Sicily. Due to the large number of vacationers who spend holidays in Catania, in the entire area have been developed many tourist sites with hotels, villas and other types of rental properties.