Bronte (Catania Province) is a town on the western slopes of Mt. Etna 53 km from Catania, alt. 760 m, in the valley of the River Simeto, area 250.01 sq. km. It has a population of over 19,900, post-code 95034, tel. 095. Economy is agricultural (pistachio nuts).
In the Middle Ages, it was one of 24 hamlets in the area and belonged to the Benedictine Monastery at Maniace. In 1520, Charles V united the hamlets and founded the town of Bronte, which was destroyed by the eruptions of 1651, 1832, 1843. In 1799 Ferdinand III gave it to Horatio Nelson for restoring him to the throne of Naples.
Of interest is the Castle (1173) about 13 km from Bronte and also called Castello di Maniace to celebrate the victory of George Maniakes over the Arabs there in 1040. The Collegio Capizzi (1774-79) is a monumental palace.
Churches (Catania Diocese) include the following:
On February 3 is the Festa of San Biago. There is a Procession here on Good Friday. There is a Festival of Pistachios here in October.
Families researched in these records include the following:
Links to other sites about Bronte include:
My latest book on CD is titled Sicily - A Reference for Researchers and is now available. With a file for each town (plus many other files), it relates the history of Sicily as reflected in the photos, records and festivals of its towns. It contains over 2500 text and photo files and can be ordered at CD order.
 |  |  |
 |