"SeaBreezeUSA's new Catania ..." a Catania Travel Page by SeaBreezeUSA

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<font face="albertus"><font color=purple>The history of Catania and its Province seems to identify itself with that of Mt. Etna, the Vulcano which dominates the city. It is a city of ancient origins; in fact, its foundation goes back to the second half of the 8th century BC, when the Chaldeans from nearby Naxos established the first settlements, in the centuries that followed there came war, destruction and subsequent reconstruction. Famous battles were fought against Syracuse, Athens and Carthage. The city also shows a strong, economic development marked by a new, young, ambitious class of entrepreneurs. There are now many industrial areas displaying a high productivity index. The increase in the economic growth and potential of the region is due mainly to the trade of small and middle-sized companies. "Milan of the South" as it is often referred to, has now strengthened its transport and communication systems, but above all has witnessed the growth of many new urban areas directly dependent upon the city- one must not neglect however the 'Natural' beauty of the countryside in and around the Province, which, with its parks and natural reserves offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the local plant and wildlife. Most people will remember Catania and its province as the birthplace of Verga, Bellini, Vitaliano Brancati. Acitrezza, Via Etnea, "The Master Don Gesualdo", "Don Giovanni in Sicily" are all portraits of the Sicilian style of life, its problems and its people.