In the province of Catania, Grammichele is a town of probably Sicel origins: numerous archaeological excavations in Terravecchia area have brought to light pre-Greek items, possibly belonging to the indigenous city of Echetla, which was later Hellenized. It was founded after the earthquake of 1693 by the refugees of Occhiolà and was called Grammichele in order to invoke the protection of San Michele, also called the Great.
It is based on a concentric urban structure with an hexagonal perimeter. In the main square (Piazza Umberto) the XVIII century Cathedral, full of light and air, stands. Nearby there is the late XIX century Palazzo comunale, designed by the architect Carlo Sada. The Sanctuary of Madonna del Piano (XV century), miraculously hunarmed by the earthquake of 1693, is interesting too.