Catania

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Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, and it is located along the eastern coast of the island at the base of Mount Etna. The area was inhabited in prehistoric times, and the city was founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BCE. Catania was an important center for a long time, but later it declined during the Roman era and the Middle Ages. Catania returned to prominence in the Late Middle Ages, and was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The city was then rebuilt with Baroque buildings, and it is now an important economic center. Catania has been damaged several times by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, but it still features numerous historic buildings and tourist attractions.

✪ Elephant Fountain

The Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante) is an 18th-century fountain featuring a black basalt statue of an elephant, considered the symbol of the city. The elephant statue is much older than the fountain, but its origin is still unclear. An Egyptian-style obelisk, also of unclear origin, stands on the back on the elephant. The fountain is located at the center of Piazza del Duomo, the main square of Catania, which also hosts the city’s cathedral and the 17th-century Palazzo degli Elefanti, which serves as town hall. The historic city gate Porta Uzeda is located at the southern end of the square.

✪ Catania Cathedral

The Catania Cathedral (Duomo di Catania) is the main church of the city, located on Piazza del Duomo. Originally built in the 11th century, the church was damaged by earthquakes numerous times, and the current structure was built between the 18th and 19th century. However, some of the original Norman strucutres are still visible to this day. The cathedral features an elaborate Baroque facade and the external walls are adorned with numerous statues. The interior houses various artworks and funerary monuments.

✪ Roman Theater of Catania

The ruins of the Roman Theater of Catania (Teatro Romano di Catania) are located in the center of the city. The structure was built in the 2nd century, and was one of the largest theaters in Sicily. Abandoned in the Early Middle Ages, other buildings were erected on top of the theater, but the structure was excavated in between the 18th and 20th century. One of the adjacent buildings houses an archaeolgical museum dedicated to the theater. A smaller theater, called Odeon, stands next to the main one.

✪ Ursino Castle

The Ursino Castle is a medieval castle in the center of Catania. The fortress was built in the 13th century under the rule of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, in Gothic style. The castle served for centuries as the residence of the local rulers, and was later used as prison and military barracks. Later restored, the castle houses the Civic Museum (Museo Civico), a rich museum of local history hosting several archaeological findings and artworks spanning the entire history of the city. The castle is still well preserved today, and features imposing towers and walls.

✪ Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena

The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena is one of the largest monasteries in Europe, located in the center of Catania. It was founded in 1558, but the original structure was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. Rebuilt during the 18th and 19th century, now it is used by the University of Catania. The complex includes various structures, such as the Baroque Church of San Nicolò l’Arena, one of the largest churches in Sicily. The monastery also features numerous adorned halls, two wide cloisters, and a rich library. The complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Diocesan Museum of Catania

The Diocesan Museum of Catania (Museo Diocesano di Catania) is a museum of religious art located in the Baroque Palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici, next to the city’s cathedral. The museum houses a rich collection of artworks spanning several centuries.

Pescheria of Catania

The Pescheria of Catania is the historic fish market of the city, located next to Piazza del Duomo. The picturesque stands of this market and its unique atmosphere make this one of the most famous and peculiar tourist attractions in Catania. This area also features the Strade degli Ombrelli (“Umbrella Roads”), a series of narrow streets covered with umbrellas, and the monumental Fontana dell’Amenano, built in 1867.

Abbey of Sant’Agata

The Abbey of Sant’Agata (Badia di Sant’Agata) is a religious complex in Catania, located next to the city’s cathedral. The church was built in Baroque style during the 18th century on the ruins of a previous abbey, and features various artworks and decorations.

Emilio Greco Museum

The Emilio Greco Museum (Museo Emilio Greco) is a museum in Catania dedicated to the artist Emilio Greco, who was born in this city in 1913. The museum houses a series of artworks by Greco, including many litographies and etchings.

Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini

The Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini is an opera house in Catania. Built in the 19th century, it features an elaborate facade and its interiors are adorned with numerous decorations. The theater is dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, an opera composer born in Catania.

Palazzo dell’Università

Palazzo dell’Università is a large Baroque building in Catania, which houses the seat of the University of Catania. The palace was erected in the 18th century, and features an elaborate facade and many Baroque decorations. The building faces the wide Piazza dell’Università, which also houses the 18th-century Palazzo San Giuliano.

Basilica della Collegiata

The Basilica della Collegiata is a Baroque church in Catania, erected in the 18th century. The church features an elaborate facade and its interiors are richly adorned with many artworks and decorations. The church is located along Via Etnea just north of Piazza dell’Università.

Via Etnea

Via Etnea is the main road of the old town of Catania, and the most important shopping street of the city. The street starts from Piazza del Duomo and passes by Piazza dell’Università, continuing for kilometers until the northern outskirts of the city. The road houses numerous historic buildings and it is known for its many stores, restaurants, and bars.

Giovanni Verga House-Museum

The Giovanni Verga House-Museum (Casa Museo Giovanni Verga) is a museum hosted in the birthplace of writer Giovanni Verga. The museum houses exhibitions dedicated to Verga, and includes a rich library that once belonged to the writer.

Vincenzo Bellini Museum

The Vincenzo Bellini Museum (Museo Vincenzo Bellini) is a museum in Catania dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, a opera composer who was born here in 1801. The museum is hosted in the birthplace of Bellini, and features numerous documents and objects showcasing the life and work of the composer.

Church of San Benedetto

Church of San Benedetto is a historic Baroque church in the center of Catania. The original church was erected in the 14th century, but was destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, so it was later rebuilt. The church is richly adorned with elaborate 18th-century artworks and decorations. Next to the church is a monastery which hosts the Sicily Contemporary Art Museum (Museo Arte Contemporanea Sicilia), a rich museum of contemporary art by Italian and international artists.

Via dei Crociferi

Via dei Crociferi is one of the main roads in Catania. This street, built in the 18th century is known for hosting numerous Baroque buildings, including four churches. The road begins near the Church of San Benedetto, and passes by the monumental Church of San Francesco Borgia. On the other side of the road is the Church of San Giuliano, one of most notable Baroque structures in Catania. The Church of San Camillo dei Mercedari is also located along the same road.

Baths of the Rotonda

The Baths of the Rotonda (Terme della Rotonda) is an ancient thermal complex built by the Romans between the 1st and 2nd century. The complex was turned into a church by the Byzantines in the 6th century, and was reworked a few times. The area features numerous ancient tombs and frescoes.

Church of Sant’Agata al Carcere

The Church of Sant’Agata al Carcere is a historic church in Catania. The church was once part of the complex of the Church of Sant’Agata la Vetere, which was the city’s cathedral between the 4th and 11th century. The complex was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and both churches were rebuilt. The Church of Sant’Agata al Carcere features an elaborate Baroque facade and some artworks.

Roman Amphitheater of Catania

A few ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheater of Catania (Anfiteatro Romano di Catania) have survived to this day. The structure was built between the 2nd and 3rd century, and was once one of the largest arenas in Sicily. The amphitheater was abandoned and partly demolished during the Middle Ages. Some sections of the amphitheater have now been excavated.

Bellini Garden

The Bellini Garden (Giardino Bellini) is a large park in the center of Catania. Originally built in the 18th century, it was later expanded and inaugurated in 1883. The park is adorned with various statues and fountains, and it is a popular destination among locals.

Zoology Museum of the University of Catania

The Zoology Museum of the University of Catania (Museo di Zoologia dell’Università di Catania) is a museum in Catania, and the oldest scientific museum in Sicily, as it was founded in 1853. The museum houses a rich zoological collection that displays numerous specimen of embalmed animals.

Botanical Garden of Catania

The Botanical Garden of Catania (Orto Botanico di Catania) is a botanical garden managed by the University of Catania. The garden houses numerous species of plants from all over the world, including a rich collection of succulent plants.

Paleontology Museum of Catania

The Paleontology Museum of Catania (Museo di Paleontologia di Catania) is a museum in Catania which features thousands of fossils from different geological eras. Its collection includes fossils of various animals and plants from millions of years ago.

Le Ciminiere

Le Ciminiere is an exhibition space located next to the seafront of Catania. Originally an industrial complex, the area was restored in the late 20th century. Now the complex houses a museum dedicated to the history of Sicily during World War II, and another museum focused on cinema.