The whole history of Catania took shape in the shadow of the formidable and majestic Etna volcano. The mountain, like an omnipotent deity, rises above the city and does not let you forget about how perishable everything created by man is. Several times the city turned into ruins due to earthquakes, but again rose from the ashes like an immortal phoenix.
Catania is an ideal place not only for lovers of the colorful Italian province, but also for connoisseurs of the magnificent Baroque. Almost all city buildings were erected in this manner, which is why streets and squares give the impression of integrity and unity of style.
But not only the churches and palazzo of Catania attract tourists here: gourmets rush to the main fish market, where delicious seafood is sold, and fans of ancient culture - to museums with Roman and Greek artifacts.
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What to see and where to go in Catania?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Mount Etna
An active volcano on the island of Sicily, which quite often frightens residents with its seismic activity. The last major eruption was recorded in February 2017. The volcano has several hundred craters, from which hot lava regularly pours out, forcing the authorities to close the international airport. The mountain is located near Catania and Messina.
Cathedral Square
The center of city life and a place with centuries of history. The square is surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings, which were created by the talented master D.V. Vaccarini. Here are the city gates, the cathedral, the town hall and the famous "Elephant" fountain - the symbol of Catania. Even the indigenous people cannot answer the question of where the sculpture of this exotic animal in the middle of the city came from.
Cathedral of Saint Agatha
St. Agatha is considered the patroness of Catania. The townspeople sincerely believe that she protects their homes from the restless and formidable Etna. The first building of the temple was erected on the ruins of Roman baths in the 11th century. This building looked more like a military fortress. Twice as a result of strong earthquakes, the cathedral turned out to be in ruins. The building acquired its present appearance at the beginning of the 17th century. The architect D. Vaccarini gave it the magnificent features of the Sicilian Baroque.
Fish market
In the market you can buy all the seafood delicacies that the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas endow fishermen with. Mussels, sea snails, shrimp, squid, octopus, not to mention countless fish species ranging from microscopic to giant tuna and swordfish. It also sells fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, fruits, meats and alcoholic beverages.
Via Etnea
The main street in the historical center of the city, which stretches from the Duomo square. The alley appeared in the 17th century, when Catania was practically rebuilt from ruins after another earthquake. On both sides of Via Etnea there are picturesque Sicilian Baroque palazzo, churches and public buildings. The cobbled streets are lined with lava cobblestones that were brought from Etna.
Via Crochiferi
The street runs along the 18th century road from Piazza San Francesco Assisi. The alley is decorated with historical buildings and old churches. As on Via Etnea, almost all structures were erected after the 1693 earthquake in the Sicilian Baroque style. D. Via Crociferi worked on the projects of many buildings and is considered the architectural pearl of Catania and the whole of Sicily.
Benedictine monastery
The abode is located in the historic center of Catania. It is believed that its construction began in the 16th century (according to another version, in the 14th century). At one time, the monastery was one of the richest in Europe. Today the complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The university is located on its territory: the offices of professors are organized in the former cells, classrooms are located in the churches.
Church of St. Nicholas
The temple is located west of Dante Square. Its construction began in 1687, but an earthquake struck several years later and the work was never completed. The church has survived to this day in an unfinished form with a grandiose colonnade that does not support anything, and an unfinished facade. At the same time, the interior gives an impression of completeness.
Collegiate basilica
The temple is dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy. The building, or rather its main facade by S. Ittar, is one of the best examples of Sicilian Baroque. The basilica was erected in the late 17th - early 18th centuries on the site of a chapel destroyed by an earthquake. The building fits perfectly into the urban landscape, shaping the architectural appearance of the historic center of Catania.
Church of Saint Benedetto
The temple is part of a large monastery complex. It was built in the early 18th century in a baroque style. The interior is richly decorated with valuable types of stone and painted with frescoes by eminent masters. Inside there is a marble "staircase of angels" lined with graceful statues. The Church of St. Benedetto occupies a special place among all the temples of Catania.
Museum of the Allied Landing in Sicily
In the summer of 1943, troops of the anti-Hitler coalition landed in Sicily (strategic Operation Husky), as a result of which the island was captured and liberated from the fascist regime of Mussolini. The exposition of the museum is dedicated to this significant event. It displays photographs, uniforms and weapons of the enemy armies, documents and other exhibits that tell about the course of the operation.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
An opera stage named after the composer V. Bellini, a native of Catania. They thought about the construction of the theater at the beginning of the 19th century, but the building was erected only in 1890. The premiere performance was the maestro's opera Norma. The ceiling of the theater's auditorium is painted with scenes from Bellini's most famous works, and his statue adorns the ceremonial foyer. The building was built in the Baroque style.
Roman theater and odeon
The Roman theater arose on the site of the Greek in the 2nd century. The Romans not only significantly expanded the stage, but also added an odeon to it for 1.5 thousand spectators. By the 6th century, the building fell into disrepair. In the Middle Ages, its walls, blocks and decorative elements began to be pulled apart for the construction of temples. As a result, the theater was surrounded by buildings, streets were laid through it, which finally contributed to its destruction. The scene was discovered during excavations in the 19th century.
Roman amphitheater
The amphitheater was built in the 2nd century on the northern outskirts of the city. Its stands were designed for 15 thousand spectators. After losing its original value, it was used as a quarry for a long time. An earthquake in 1693 ended the destructive work and razed the amphitheater to the ground. It was discovered during excavations in the 18th century. Since 1907, the ruins have become accessible to the public.
Ursino castle
Medieval fortress of the XIII century with powerful walls and towers. Once the building was of strategic importance - from here control over the east coast of Sicily was carried out. Today, on the territory of the bastion, there is a museum with archaeological artifacts from the ancient era and a collection of Sicilian paintings. The last reconstruction of the Ursino fortress took place in the 1930s.
Palazzo Biscari
Private mansion of the Dukes of Biscari, built in the second half of the 18th century. Architects A. Benedetto, D. Palazzotto, and F. Battaglia worked on the project of the building.The luxurious palace is made in the Rococo style, which is distinguished by the splendor and pretentiousness of the interiors, as well as an incredible abundance of decor. The interior decoration of the halls emphasizes the greatness and wealth of the Biscari family.
Botanical Garden
The botanical garden belongs to the local university. It was founded in the middle of the 19th century by the Benedictine monk F. Tornabene. The territory of the garden is divided into two parts. In the first, exotic species from all over the world grow, the second (smaller) is reserved for representatives of the Sicilian flora. In total, more than 2 thousand plant samples have been collected here, including several dozen palm trees.
Park "Villa Bellini"
The park is located next to Via Etnea in the city center on two symmetrical hills connected by alleys and stairs. It was named after the composer Bellini. There are fountains, artificial reservoirs, sculptures, beautifully decorated flower arrangements and other landscape design elements. In hot weather in the park, you can hide from the scorching sun in the shade of exotic trees.
San Giovanni Li Kuti
Rocky beach formed from solidified magma. The stones make it difficult to get into the water, so the place is not recommended for children. In the high season, for the convenience of tourists, a descent into the water is installed here. The infrastructure of San Giovanni Li Cuti is rather poorly developed. However, all the disadvantages are compensated by the magnificent nature and picturesque views from the shore of the beach.
Etnaland
A large amusement park at the very foot of Mount Etna, created in the early 2000s. It is intended for visitors of all ages. There is a water park with different types of slides, a dinosaur park with huge models of prehistoric monsters and a special area where spectacular laser shows are held. Near Etnaland there is an extensive shopping and recreation area.
