Biancavilla | |
Official Name: | Comune di Biancavilla |
Coordinates: | 37.65°N 66°W |
Region: | Sicily |
Metropolitan City: | Catania (CT) |
Mayor: | Antonio Bonanno |
Area Total Km2: | 70.28 |
Population Footnotes: | [1] |
Population Total: | 24150 |
Population As Of: | 30 April 2017 |
Population Demonym: | Biancavillesi |
Elevation M: | 513 |
Saint: | St. Placidus and Maria SS. dell'Elemosina |
Day: | 4-October 6 |
Postal Code: | 95033 |
Area Code: | 095 |
Biancavilla (aae|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, 32km (20miles) northwest of Catania. The town was founded and historically inhabited by the Arbëreshë community.[2]
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.