Randazzo

Randazzo (Sicilian: Rannazzu) is a town and comune of Sicily, Italy, in the province of Catania. It is situated at the northern foot of Mount Etna, 70 kilometres (43 mi) northwest of Catania by rail. It is the nearest town to the summit of Etna, and is one of the points from which the ascent may be made.

History

In the 13th century the town had its own army, which fought in favor of the king against the rebels. In 1210 King Frederick II of Hohenstaufen and his young wife Constance of Aragon sheltered at Randazzo to escape the terrible plague which raged in Palermo.

Randazzo became one of the most densely populated towns in the island, after Palermo and Messina. The town was also divided into three main districts: the Greeks lived in St. Nicola's quarter, the Latins in St. Mary's and the Lombards in St. Martin's.

During the Black Death of 1575–80 the population of Randazzo declined. The economy slumped, and Randazzo almost turned into a ghost town.

During World War II, Randazzo was bombed by the Allies, destroying or damaging 76 percent of its buildings.

Randazzo (disambiguation)

Randazzo may refer to :

People

Places

See also