Guide to the city of Catania

The undisputed pearl of Sicily, Catania is a populous city (about 1.700.000 inhabitants) economic and infrastructural hub of the island and a territory extended to the south eastern slopes of Mount Etna.

Things to see in Catania

Via Etnea

Considered by tourists and citizens one of the most characteristic shopping streets of Italy, it is a place to walk during the days of visit in this enchanting place of the Sicilian island.

Palaces and churches can be admired along the way and represent a clear example of Sicilian baroque.

For those who love shopping and history this route is without a doubt one of the best places ever to explore.

Massimo Vincenzo Bellini Theater

A true wonder for the view, it is a place to visit when you reach Catania.

Through a guided tour you will see the different stages built up over the years.

Even the curtain contains several historical references. In fact it portrays the ‘Victory of Catania on the Libyans’. Inside there is a bronze statue that depicts Vincenzo Bellini, created by the artist Salvo Giordano.

Cathedral of Sant’Agata

The Cathedral was born from the remains of another historical building (the ancient baths). Due to the various earthquakes and eruptions of Etna, it was repeatedly destroyed and later rebuilt.

The first construction dates back to 1070, and only the apse remains of that historical era.

As we can see today, it is the result of the works that were carried out between 1734 and 1761 by the artist Vaccarini who oversaw the exteriors and the artist Palazzotto who took care of the interiors.

The façade is in Carrara marble, and has some grafts coming from another historical building (the ancient Roman theatre).

The interior is majestic, and in addition to presenting several statues of Sant’Agata, the cathedral is made of a Latin cross divided over three naves.

The chapel of Sant’Agata inside the Duomo has a room containing relics. Opposite the altar, there is the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, a famous musician born in Catania.

Piazza del Duomo of Catania

Even the square that houses the Duomo is something incredible that deserves to be observed carefully.

Like many main plazas of the historical places of our country, what strikes the eye are the finishing touches of the palaces overlooking the square, and the fact that these places have shaped around the tourists over the years.

Wandering around the squares will help you discover all those places natives know best along with the culture of outdoor cafés where you can get some fresh air.

The outstanding fountain in the center of the square, depicting ‘O Liotru’, or the elephant symbol of Catania was previously reconstructed in 1736.

The name ‘O Liotru’, according to a legend, derives from the crippling of Heliodorus, who was a nobleman considered by the people a magician and necromancer. He was said to have ridden a stone elephant to reach Constantinople.

Once you get to Catania, you’d better add these wonderful places mentioned above to your travel itinerary.