Randazzo, Medieval settlement in Catania province, Sicily, Italy
Randazzo is a medieval commune in Catania province on Sicily, located at 765 meters elevation on the northern slope of Mount Etna. Its buildings are constructed from black lava stone and spread across the Alcantara Valley.
The town developed during the Middle Ages and gained importance by controlling trade routes across the region. In 1210, King Frederick II of Hohenstaufen sought refuge here while fleeing a plague outbreak from Palermo.
The three quarters reflect different communities: Greeks settled in San Nicola, Latins in Santa Maria, and Lombards in San Martino, each maintaining their own churches and character.
The town serves as a good starting point for Mount Etna expeditions and has two railway stations offering connections to major Sicilian destinations. Its elevated location allows comfortable walking exploration, though you should expect hills and slopes.
The Santa Maria Assunta church has a completely black facade made of lava stone blocks, displaying Catalan-Gothic elements from medieval times. This dark appearance comes from the town's proximity to Mount Etna's lava fields.
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