Catania, city, southern Italy, capital of Catania Province, on the eastern coast of Sicily, at the base of Mount Etna. It is a major seaport and a commercial and manufacturing center. In the city are flour mills, sugar refineries, sulfur refineries, and asphalt and chemical factories. Catania contains numerous architectural remains of ancient times, including the ruins of Greek and Roman theaters and Roman aqueducts and baths. Also here are a cathedral (founded 11th century) and Ursino Castle (13th century.). The University of Catania (1443), the first university established in Sicily, is here.
Catania, founded as a Greek colony in the 8th century BC, was captured by the Romans in 263 BC, during the First Punic War. It was plundered by the Normans in the late 11th century. It has suffered many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and was severely damaged by bombing in World War II. Population (2000 estimate) 338,000.
