Nicolosi (Catania Province) is 16 km from Catania, alt. 700 m, on the southern slope of Mt. Etna, amid volcanic cones created at various times known as the Monti Rossi, area 42.5 sq km, with a population of over 5,500, post-code 95030, tel. 095. Economy: agriculture, stock breeding, tourism.

The town of Nicolosi developed around the Benedectine monastery of San Nicolo l'Arena, founded in the 12th century. It became part of the Paterno fief in 1477, until 1852. Many eruptions of Etna have destroyed the town, as in 1689 and 1693. In 1886, the lava stopped just in from of the veil of St. Agata, held by the Archbishop of Catania.

Of interest is the Palazzetto Rapisardi (18th century) and Palazzo Cirelli. This is the point where the road ends and one takes the tram further up the volcano. Wonderful views from here of the Ionian seacoast and the plain of Catania.

On June 13 is the Festa of Sant'Antonio di Padova, also on August 15th. There is a celebration of "Music, Dance, and Theater on Etna" here in July. The Etna Jazz Festival and Merchant Fair of Arts and Folklore are held here in August. The first Sunday in September is the "Race of Etna". The Festival of Mushrooms is held here in October.

Churches (Catania Diocese) include the following:

Spirito Santo (Chiesa Madre)

San Nicola

San Vito

Sant'Antonio Abate

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Families we've researched in those records include the following:

Calvagna

d'Ucria

Links to sites with more about Nicolosi include:

Italian Wikipedia

Italian Towns

Italian Postal Codes

Sicily Web

Nicolosi Photos

Catania Provincia

Sicilia

Sicilian Net

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.