Randazzo, Medieval settlement in Catania province, Sicily, Italy
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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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Mount Etna
14.6 km
Etna Park
13.2 km
Monte Silvestri
20.5 km
Cableway of Etna
18.3 km
Grotta del Gelo
8.7 km
Abbey of Saint Mary of Maniace
11.8 km
Ponte dei Saraceni
23.7 km
Lago Biviere
22.2 km
Forre laviche del Simeto
21 km
Mendolito
24.2 km
Catania Astrophysical Observatory
20.6 km
Saint Nicholas Church in Randazzo
391 m
Archaeological Civic Museum "Paolo Vagliasindi"
626 m
Lago Trearie
12.8 km
San Martino
597 m
Rocca Pizzicata
5 kmTorre del Filosofo
16.1 kmAbbazia di Santa Maria di Spanò
25.5 kmMonte Leporello
15.7 km
Santa Maria Assunta
204 m
Monument to Old Randazzo
425 mLa Montagnola
18.3 km
Porta di San Martino
629 mMonte Frumento Supino
16.5 kmChiesa di San Vito
658 m
Castello Nelson
11.7 km
Municipio di Randazzo
331 m
Castello Svevo
639 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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