Catania

The urban area of Catania including the Cathedral Square, Via dei Crociferi and neighbouring monuments, has been chosen because it is emblematic in the field of integral reconstruction planning which occurred after the earthquake in 1693.Catania is hence, among one of the most significant cities rebuilt on site. From a typological point of view, the quality of the city particularly comes from its modern traits of its plan, designed in a coherent structure, on an orthogonal base but in which many road networks inscribe themselves and, however, do not respect such orthogonality. Majestic squares, all different to one another in architectural style and geometrical design, open themselves up on straight roads in the central area. Due to its design characteristics, the urban complex of Catania can also be seen as the most advanced complex, due to its seismic devices adopted and expressly quoted by the dispositions of the citizen Senate immediately after the earthquake in 1693.
However , one must add that the modern urban complex of the city does not entirely go back to the earthquake of 1693 but has its roots in the urban transformation process induced after the volcanic eruption of 1669.