Licodia Eubea
Discover Licodia Eubea
If you are looking for an authentic and history-rich city, Licodia Eubea is the place for you! Located in the metropolitan city of Catania, Licodia Eubea is a small town with just under 3000 residents. Discover the history and beauty of this place through this article.
Physical Geography
Territory
Licodia Eubea is located 600 meters above sea level on the northwestern side of the Iblei Mountains. The town is divided into two parts, the medieval Castle and the Calvary. The Carmine neighborhood with its namesake church is located between these two hills. The Dirillo Lake, an artificial basin, is the largest watercourse that runs through the municipality of Licodia Eubea.
Origins of the Name
From Licodia to Licodia Eubea
The toponym of Licodia Eubea is linked to the Greek origins of the city. In fact, in 650 BC, the Calcidesi of Lentini founded the colony of Eubea in the territory that now corresponds to Licodia Eubea. In the Middle Ages, the toponym Eubea was replaced by Licodia. Only in 1872 did the Municipal Council decide to use both toponyms, adding the name Eubea to that of Licodia from 1873, hence the current toponym of Licodia Eubea.
Hypotheses of Maurolico and Fazello on the toponym Licodia
According to a theory by the Benedictine monk Francesco Maurolico, the Greeks who lived in the area called the territory "lykos," which means "wolf." This could be the origin of the name Licodia. Abbot Fazello, one of the greatest Sicilian historians of the sixteenth century, mentions Licodia as a Saracen-named country, with ancient ruins and a fortress.
History
From Origins to Present
The territory of Licodia Eubea has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic. The city was founded in 650 BC when the Calcidesi of Lentini founded the colony of Eubea. During the Roman domination, the city grew in prosperity thanks to the presence of numerous thermal springs. In the Middle Ages, Licodia Eubea was an important center of trade. During the Arab domination, the city was fortified and became an important agricultural center. In the fourteenth century, the city came under the control of the Aragonese, and experienced a period of relative prosperity under the lordships of the Branciforte and Moncada families.
During World War II, Licodia Eubea was at the center of fierce fighting between Allied and German troops, with the city being almost completely destroyed. After the war, the city was rebuilt and developed as an agricultural center.
What to See in Licodia Eubea
The Carmine Church
The Carmine Church, located in the namesake neighborhood, is one of the main monuments of Licodia Eubea. Built in the eighteenth century, the church houses numerous works of art, including a canvas depicting the Virgin of Carmine and Saint Joseph.
The Castle
The medieval castle of Licodia Eubea is located on a hill overlooking the city. Built between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the castle has been restored over the centuries and now houses a museum and library.
The Historic Center
The historic center of Licodia Eubea preserves numerous testimonies of the city's past, including ancient noble houses, churches, and historic palaces.
How to Reach Licodia Eubea
Licodia Eubea is about 30 km from Catania. You can reach the city by car, taking the SS 385 towards the municipality of Acate. Alternatively, you can reach Licodia Eubea by taking the train to the Caltagirone or Acate stations and then taking a bus.
Conclusions
If you want to discover an authentic and history-rich city, Licodia Eubea is the place for you. Discover the beauty of the territory, the history of the city, and its numerous monuments. Come and visit Licodia Eubea and discover the charm of this city!
