Biancavilla (Catania Province) is 33 km from Catania, alt. 515 m, on the southwestern slopes of Etna on the left bank of the River Simeto, area 70.66 sq km. Its population is just over 22,700, post-code 95033, tel. 095. Economy: agriculture, bird-rearing, small foodstuff, furniture and clothing industries.
It was probably founded in 1480 by families of Albanian refugees fleeing from a Turkish invasion. It was called Terra di Calicari or Casale dei Greci (Hamlet of the Greeks). It was later a fief of the Moncada family, the Princes of Paterno. Its present name dates from the late 16th century and refers possibly to Queen Bianca of Navarre, or to the color of the houses which appear white against the black lava.
Churches (Catania Diocese) include the following:
On October 5 is the Festa of San Placido.
Families researched in these records include the following:
Links to other sites about Biancavilla 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.
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