Belpasso is a small historic town in the Province of Catania, set on the southern slopes of Mount Etna. Its territory reaches from the volcano’s summit down toward the southern edge of the province, giving the town an identity closely tied to Etna’s landscape, eruptions and dark lava stone.
The first village was founded in 1305 as Malpasso, later passing under the Moncada family. Its history is marked by destruction and refoundation: the 1669 eruption erased the old settlement, which was rebuilt as Fenicia Moncada, before the earthquake of 1693 forced another move and the adoption of the name Belpasso.
Today the town’s character is shaped by that repeated rebirth. Its historic centre reflects a planned post-earthquake reconstruction, with a chessboard-like grid of straight streets and symmetrical blocks unusual in Sicily. Together with its phoenix symbolism and the motto “Melior de cinere surgo”, Belpasso stands out as an Etna town whose very layout tells a story of resilience after catastrophe.
Patron Saint:
Saint Lucy (Santa Lucia) – 13 December
Nearest Airport:
Catania (Fontanarossa) – (25 km, 00:32)
Neighboring Cities:
