Froze

Geography

Agricultural and industrial Cité, Gela is on the coast of the Canal of Sicily, near to the river Gela.

History

Was founded in 689 before J.C froze. (44 years after Syracuse) by colonists come from Rhodos, ordered by Antiphème, and inhabitants of Crete guided by Entimo, attracted by the beauty of the places occupied then by groups of native, the " Siculi ". The city is baptized Gela in reference to the Gela river located in the vicinity. Antiphème and Entimo must face the hostility of the inhabitants of the places, but they arrive in little time to subject them and to push back them in the mountains. The city of Froze starts to develop. One century later, a colony of Gelois ordered by Pistilo and Aristomo conquers the Akragas river and founds into 580 before J.C. the town of Agrigente.

Under the tyrants Cléandre and Hippocrates, it became the most powerful city of the island, but, in 485, its tyrant Gélon transferred his capacity with Syracuse involving behind him most of the population and leaving with his/her brother Hiéron the command of Froze.

It was repopulated in 466 and became prosperous. It is there that died Eschyle in 456.

It came to assistance of Syracuse during the forwarding of the Athenians to Sicily.

After being put at bag in 406 by the Carthaginian, at the same time as Acragas and Camarina, it was given up by the tyrant of Syracuse, Denys Old the, and in 280 the inhabitants who still remained there left to create a new foundation.

A remarkable monument still exists, the fortifications built by Timoléon, large Corinthian general of fourth century BC and liberator of Sicily.

The beach of Froze with in particular been used for the unloading of the troops of Patton in 1943 within the framework of the Opération Husky.

Art and Culture

On the principal place is the major church, dedicated to holy Vergine Assunta, rebuilt between 1766 and 1794 on an old vault of the name of “Madonna della Platea”.

Built in 1796, the church Santa Salvatore and Rosario are interesting especially by its framework inspired of the church Sainte Marie of Bethlehem.

The convent of the Capuchins, built in 1261, was the seat of meetings as of the end of its construction. Given up, and dilapidated, it was offered into 1574 to the Capuchins, who rebuild it.

Economy

The economy of the city is a long time based only on the associated agriculture and activities as fishing. In 1956 an oil reservoir is discovered.

The breeding of cattle and agriculture remain important activities in the local economy, with the production of citrus fruits, olives, cereals…

Administration

Hamlets

Macchitella, Manfria

Communes bordering

Acate (RG), Will butt, Caltagirone (CT), Mazzarino, Niscemi

See too

List of the Italian cities of more than 25.000 inhabitants

Collegamenti esterni

Gelacittadimare.it

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