Misterbianco
Misterbianco (Sicilian: Mustarjancu; Medieval Latin: Monasterium Album, meaning "White Monastery" or "White Minster") is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Catania in the Italian region Sicily, located about 160 kilometres (99 mi) southeast of Palermo and about 6 kilometres (4 mi) west of Catania.
Misterbianco | |
|---|---|
| Comune di Misterbianco | |
Location of Misterbianco 
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  Misterbianco Location of Misterbianco in Italy  Misterbianco Misterbianco (Sicily) | |
| Coordinates: 37°31′N 15°0′E | |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Metropolitan city | Catania (CT) |
| Frazioni | Piano Tavola |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Antonino Di Guardo |
| Area | |
| • Total | 37.5 km2 (14.5 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 210 m (690 ft) |
| Population (1 January 2017)[2] | |
| • Total | 49,668 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| Demonym(s) | Misterbianchesi |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 95046 |
| Dialing code | 095 |
| Website | Official website |
Misterbianco borders the following municipalities: Camporotondo Etneo, Catania, Motta Sant'Anastasia, San Pietro Clarenza.
History
The settlement's name derives from a former local monastery, whose monks, likely Dominicans, wore a white dress (in Latin, Monasterium Album, "White Monastery"). However, both the monastery and the settlement were destroyed by the 1669 Etna eruption. A new borough was therefore built in the former contrada (quarter) of Milicia.
Until the mid-19th century Misterbianco was a small rural settlement. However, after a large industrial complex was built in the area, its population grew substantially, up to 18,836 in 1971 and 40,785 in 1991. The town continues to grow in size due to people moving here from the increasingly costly quarter of Catania city.
References
- "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Istat. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.