Biancavilla (Arbëreshë Albanian: Callìcari) is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. It is located between the towns of Adrano and S. Maria di Licodia, 32 kilometres (20 mi) northwest of Catania. The town was founded and historically inhabited by the Arbëreshë community.[3]

Biancavilla
Comune di Biancavilla
Santa Maria Elemosina Cathedral
Santa Maria Elemosina Cathedral
Coat of arms of Biancavilla
Location of Biancavilla
Map
Biancavilla is located in Italy
Biancavilla
Biancavilla
Location of Biancavilla in Italy
Biancavilla is located in Sicily
Biancavilla
Biancavilla
Biancavilla (Sicily)
Coordinates: 37°39′N 14°52′E / 37.650°N 14.867°E / 37.650; 14.867
CountryItaly
RegionSicily
Metropolitan cityCatania (CT)
Government
 • MayorAntonio Bonanno
Area
 • Total70.28 km2 (27.14 sq mi)
Elevation
513 m (1,683 ft)
Population
 (30 April 2017)[2]
 • Total24,150
 • Density340/km2 (890/sq mi)
DemonymBiancavillesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
95033
Dialing code095
Patron saintSt. Placidus and Maria SS. dell'Elemosina
Saint day4-October 6
WebsiteOfficial website

History edit

The town was founded on 8 January 1488 by Albanian refugees. Led by Cesare Masi, they arrived in an area called Callicari and received the "Licentia Populandi" privilege from Santapau and Centelles, the presidents of the region of Sicily. Therefore, Albanian people established in that area and founded the town. The area was subsequently called Albavilla until in the year 1599, when the name became Biancavilla.

References edit

  1. ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  2. ^ Population data from ISTAT
  3. ^ Mario Brunetti, La piazza della rivolta: microstoria di un paese arbëresh in età giolittiana pg. 59