Misterbianco (Catania Province) is a town on the south side of Mt. Etna, alt. 213 m, area 37.5 sq km, 8 km from Catania. Its population is just over 42,700, post-code 95045, tel. 095. Economy: agriculture (also in cooperative societies), stock breeding, various industries.
The name of the town comes from the "monastero bianco" (white monastery) of the Benedictines, which was destroyed by the eruption of 1669. Formerly an outlying village belonging to Catania, it was acquired in 1640 by the Genoese Giovanni Andrea Massa, and in 1642 by the Trigona family who obtained the dukedom in 1685. The present town straddles the lava stream which destroyed the old town center in 1669. Further destruction occurred in the earthquake of 1693, but the town rebuilt in the 18th century.
There are some very large stores here, just off the autostrada.
Of interest is the roman aqueduct near the town.
Churches (Catania Diocese) include the following:
On January 17 is the Festa of Sant'Antonio Abate, also on the first Sunday of August. The Festa of the appearance of the Madonna degli Ammalati near the Sanctuary for the miracle of ceasing the eruption of Etna in 1669 is held here in September.
Links to sites with more about Misterbianco 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.
