The Eighth WINIR Conference will be held in Catania, the second largest city of the beautiful Mediterranean island of Sicily, off the coast of Southern Italy (click map to enlarge). Among other things, Catania, which lies at the foot of the volcano Etna facing the Ioanian Sea, is known for its baroque architecture, for which it is part of the Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage Site. Click here for general information.
Founded in the 8th century BCE by Greek settlers, Catania has a rich history. It fell under Carthaginian rule in the 4th century BCE and was one of the first cities in Sicily to submit to the Roman Republic in the 3rd century BCE. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, it was conquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, then fell under Islamic rule, until is was taken by the Normans in the 11th century. In the 16th century it became part of the Spanish Empire. And in the mid-19th century, Catania played a central role in Guiseppe Garibaldi's drive to unify Italy.
The conference will take place in the stunningly beautiful late Baroque Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena (click map to enlarge), one of the largest monasteries in Europe, founded in 1558. Since 1977 the complex is part of the University of Catania.
The venue is located in the historic part of the city, within walking distance of the Piazza del Duomo, the Roman Theatre, Catania Cathedral, Palazzo Biscari and La Pescheria, the city's lively fish market.
A number of social events will be held around town.
More detailed information coming soon.