Pedara
Pedara: a town at the foot of Mount Etna where history and mythology mix
Hello everyone! Today I'll tell you about the town of Pedara, located in the metropolitan city of Catania in Sicily. This small town, with its 14,851 inhabitants, is located at the foot of the now-famous Mount Etna and is surrounded by other towns such as Trecastagni, Nicolosi, San Giovanni La Punta, Tremestieri Etneo, and Zafferana Etnea.
Physical geography
As I just mentioned, Pedara is located at the foot of Mount Etna. The town covers an area of 17.57 km² and is composed of various districts, including the most important one, San Giovanni, where the Pontifical Basilica of Santa Caterina is located.
Origin of the name
The name Pedara could derive from many different sources. Some scholars think it may come from the Greek city of "Epidauros," from which a colony set out for Sicily centuries ago. Others, however, believe it may come from the Latin "Apud Aram" or "Ad pedes arae," meaning "at the foot of the altar," with references to mythological events related to the remains of a construction (an altar) existing on Mount Etna and dedicated to Jupiter Etna, which was a symbol of the town for years. Interesting, isn't it?
History
Pedara's history begins after the Norman Conquest of Southern Italy, when people began to settle in the town. In 1388, the bishop of the Archdiocese of Catania authorized the inhabitants to build the first Sanctuary of Maria Santissima Annunziata, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The event marked the birth of one of the first Christian communities in the area.
During the 14th century, however, following two catastrophic eruptions, the town was submerged by cultivated fields, and the people began to gradually move downstream, giving birth to the new Pedara.
In 1641, the Casale, which was administered by the Senate of Catania, was sold to the Messinese Di Giovanni family. For about 50 years, the town experienced the most flourishing period of its history: it became a Feudalism## Barony, in a short time defined itself as a significant center of economic and social activity, and consequently, the richest and most organized one on Etna, second only to Catania.
However, the town had to face tremendous disasters. After the terrible damage caused by the frightening Mount Etna eruption of 1669, a few years later, the population was severely hit by the Noto Valley Earthquake of 1693, which destroyed many inhabited centers in eastern Sicily. And here, then, a great personality appeared, for a long time the trusted man of the Di Giovanni family: Don Diego Pappalardo, a priest from Pedara and conventual chaplain of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. He rebuilt the Basilica of Santa Caterina twice in less than twenty years and encouraged the inhabitants to a rapid rebuilding of the town.
Famine and poverty marked the last part of the eighteenth century, which saw the rise of the landowning bourgeoisie. The abolition of the Sicilian feudal jurisdiction of 1812 and the subsequent Bourbon administrative reform were a great source of change for Pedara.
What to see in Pedara
Today, Pedara is a town renowned for its position at the foot of Mount Etna and for its precious Pontifical Basilica of Santa Caterina. The basilica is an eighteenth-century Baroque masterpiece and also houses the Diocesan Museum, with a collection of precious liturgical objects. Don't miss the historic center of Pedara, with its narrow and cobbled streets and ancient churches.
I also recommend taking a walk at the foot of Mount Etna or organizing an excursion on the volcano. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to taste the local cuisine, particularly the pasta alla Norma.
Conclusions
Pedara is a fascinating town full of history and mythology. Its position at the foot of Mount Etna and its precious Pontifical Basilica of Santa Caterina make it an ideal destination for nature and culture lovers. If you have the opportunity, I recommend taking a trip to Pedara. I'm sure you'll fall in love with this beautiful Sicilian town.
