7 Places To Visit In Catania, Italy

One thing Catania is famous for is its unique architecture. Always remember that! Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city after Palermo. Located in the eastern part of Sicily is this glitzy port city that has been Italy’s economic hub from time immemorial. Claim Your Free Travel Checklist

Founded by the Greeks in 729 BEC, Catania became very prominent in the 5th century BCE during the reign of Hieron I, the famous Syracuse tyrant. From the 5th to the medieval period, the city was swept under different ruling factions, making it their temporary or permanent base.

With a population of 315,000, Catania is voted among the largest metropolis in Italy. It’s also one of the most influential cities in culture, history, and important landmarks. Tourists in the city are always enthralled by the city’s Mediterranean weather, which adds to why the city ranks as the top-visited destination in Italy.

Catania cannily packs a plethora of must-attractions every tourist should visit, especially artists, to draw inspiration from the works of famous Italian artists purposefully.

To make your trip to Catania less stressful and fun – I have pinpointed some of the best places to explore in this amazing Italian city.

Now, let’s discuss them closely.

Visit Mount Etna – a natural wonder

I choose to start with this landmark because it’s Italy’s most active volcanos, and tourists from across Europe flock to the city to glance at this natural wonder. The mountain shrouds the whole of Catania.

The stratovolcanic mountain is about 429 square miles and has a height of 3329 meters.

The mountain’s recent eruption in 2021 led to its increase in height at about 100 feet.

Don’t skip to clamber the mountain when you visit Catania. If you are lucky to reach the top, you will be draped with Sicily’s full view.

It’s important to note that climbing the mountain should be done by experts rock climbers. In essence, endeavoring to clamber the mountain is not for faint-hearted.

Visit the second century AD Teatro Romano

Catania’s rich historical monuments are shown in the ruins of two Roman semi-circular theaters, erected in the second century AD.

Although it’s, only a fraction of this theater remains today. You can not help but notice how expansive the theater was through its ruined stone walls.

This famous theater is next to the City’s Square, and the view is very captivating. It featured many sitting areas that faced the sea with a center stage.

Explore Basilica Cattedrale Sant’Agata

Catania’s cathedral is one of the places you can visit freely. This beautiful structure is a confound of Norman and Baroque architecture.

Another proof of what Catania is known for!

The cathedral is seated at the heart of the city, and it has been the base of the Archbishops from the medieval period.

Originally, the building was rooted in 1078 on the ruin of the Roman Achillean bath, but consequent to the incessant earthquake in the city, this church building has undergone several restoration projects.

Its last restoration project was carried out in 1711 by a famous artist, Gian Battista Vaccarini, who adorned the building in its current facade. However, the cathedral was dedicated to Saint Agatha, the patron saint of the Catania.

The church’s interior is bejeweled with frescoes, murals, and tombs of saint Agatha and the famous Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Get ready to be welcomed to this photogenic basilica in Catania.

Stroll Around Piazza del duomo

After exploring the city’s cathedral, basking in the soothing Sicilian breeze at the Piazza del Duomo is a great deal.

The Piazza del Duomo is Catania’s square where people gather for the three days festival of Saint Agatha. But aside from the festival held there, the square is the locals’ favorite spot.

The square is located at the crossroads of three important streets – Via Etnea, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, and Via Vittorio Emanuele Il. The square has been a focal point from Roman times and still is today.

Unique artworks are hunched at the center of the square: popular amongst them is Fontana Dell’Elefante, a smiling elephant sculpture topped with an Egyptian obelisk that is revered as the city’s emblem. Legend has it that the emblem possesses some magical powers – these powers also help alleviate the volcanic temperature of mount Etna.

There are restaurants situated around the square where you can enjoy some snacks and wine.

Stroll Around La Pescheria

To experience how Catanians hustle to make earns meet – you should never miss striding the aisle of La Pescheria fish market.

From Piazza del Duomo, you can connect to this ruckus street market where all kinds of aquatic creatures like sardine, swordfish, lobsters are being beheaded at each monger’s table.

You will hear the squeals of the vendors as they try to call the attention of passersby to buy their sampled goods.

And the best part?

Price tags for fish there are not on the high end!

Explore Castello Ursino

Castello Ursino is one of the buildings that survived the 17th-century earthquake that razed some important monuments in Catania.

The Castle was built in the 13th century as the Castle of the kingdom of Sicily when Frederick II was reigning.

The Castle originally stood on a cliff directly facing the sea when it was first built, but with the constant volcanic eruptions of Mount Etna, the Castle surprisingly moved inward at one kilometer. Its towers are still standing till today.

The Castle was later converted to a museum in 1934 when it was handed down to the city’s government. Different artworks from the classical period are housed in the Castle.

The perfect location of this Castle makes it easy for tourists to visit.

Get your cameras ready and take as many pictures as you can!

Relax At Giardino Bellini

Giardino Bellini is the best place to relax and enjoy the company of nature. It’s a public park that was established in 1867. Initially, the park was a maze garden owned by the Prince of Biscari, Ignazio Paterno Castello.

Years later, this maze garden and other areas around it were bought by the commune di Catania, from whence the garden was converted to a public park.

There sits a fountain at the east side of the park with many beautiful flowers and trees surrounding it.

Concluding Note On Top 7 Places To Visit In Catania

Despite being faced with several natural disasters like earthquakes and the volcanic eruptions of Mount Etna, Catanians still endeavored to maintain that which they are known for(fine artworks).

The most important monuments of the city affected by these disasters are today reconstructed to look exactly the way it was before.

The city boasts many historical monuments and activities that lure thousands of tourists across the globe.

Endeavor to visit this amazing city for sightseeing and gastronomy.

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