Geophysival investigations at the Cathedral of Catania

The Cathedral of Catania is a very important monument. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt after the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that have followed over time. The first building dates back to the period 1078-1093 and was built on the ruins of the Achillian Baths dating back to the Romans, on the initiative of Count Roger, acquiring all the characteristics of an equipped (i.e. fortified) ecclesia. Already in 1169, a catastrophic earthquake demolished it almost completely, leaving only the apse part intact. In 1194 a fire created considerable damage and finally in 1693 the earthquake that hit the Val di Noto destroyed it almost completely.