Trecastagni
Trecastagni: The Municipality of the Metropolitan City of Catania
Trecastagni is a city located in the Metropolitan City of Catania in Sicily, one of the most visited and fascinating regions in southern Italy. The city is situated on a hilly area at the foot of Mount Etna, one of the most famous volcanoes in the world.
A Scenic Surrounding Territory
The surrounding territory's formation offers a spectacular view of the southern tip of Calabria to the Gulf of Augusta in the province of Siracusa. The city is surrounded by several volcanic hills such as Monte Ilice, Monte Gorna, Monte San Nicolò, Tre Monti, and Monte Serra.
The History of Trecastagni
We do not know the exact date of the city's foundation, but it is believed that during prehistory, it was inhabited by the Sicani, Siculi, Elimi, and Morgeti. It is located in the heart of Magna Graecia and was then Romanized, as evidenced by the archaeological finds. In the 14th century, Trecastagni was already a perfectly constituted and organized populated center, as demonstrated by the first historical documents drawn up by Frà Michele da Piazza. They tell of the city's invasion by Simone Chiaramonte, who sought to drive out General Artale I Alagona, who was the first supporter of the Angevins, while the second was pro-Aragonese monarchs.
Trecastagni was then subjected to the jurisdiction and tax regime of the Archdiocese of Catania until 1640. It was sold together with the Casale di Viagrande to Domenico di Giovanni, a nobleman and banker from Messina belonging to the Di Giovanni family. In 1641, Trecastagni was elevated to the Principality of Trecastagni, and in 1654, Pedara became part of it. In 1667, the mother church of San Nicola di Bari became a parish, with the title of archpriest, and at that time, the population was about 5000 inhabitants.
After the devastating earthquake of Val di Noto in 1693, the population dropped drastically, and in 1737, only 2000 inhabitants were present at the census. In 1712, Anna Maria di Giovanni, the princess of Trecastagni, the last heir of the dynasty, married Giuseppe Alliata Colonna Romana, Principality of Villafranca, and the Principality of Trecastagni passed to the Alliata family. In 1818, with the abolition of feudalism, the town was established as a municipality and the seat of a judicial and electoral district, with the reservation of a seat in the Sicilian Regional Assembly.
The Etymology of the Name
The etymology of the name Trecastagni is uncertain, and there are several hypotheses. Some argue that the name derives from ''Tres castaneae," namely the name of the ancient site where three large chestnut trees were found. Others hypothesize that Trecastagni derives from ''Tres Casti Agni," which means "the three chaste lambs," with reference to the patron saints of the city, St. Alfio, St. Cirino, and St. Filadelfo, who stopped in the place during their transfer from Vaste to Lentini, where they were martyred. Finally, some believe that Trecastagni derives from ''Tria Castra," a difficult interpretation. Presumably, the name refers to three war encampments.
Trecastagni is a historic and charming city in Sicily that offers visitors an incredible view of Mount Etna. Anyone who decides to visit this city immerses themselves in a unique history and an ancient culture, enriching themselves with a unique experience in life.
