The town spread around the Priory of San Giacomo, founded in 1387 in the upper part of the Valle del Bove, the point of confluence of the lava streams from Etna's eastern craters which frequently have destroyed the town, which has always been rebuilt.
The town was situated around the Priory of San Giacomo, founded in 1387 in the upper part of the Valle del Bove, a valley prone to destruction from Etna's frequent lava flows, which have historically led to the town's reconstruction after each eruption.