Catania is one of the pearl of Sicily. The city, which stays halfway between Etna and the sea, has since always a particular charm which attracts every year thousand of tourists. Catania is, so, a jewel to be discovered!
The Historical Center
Wide, rich of landmarks characterized by the construction with the volcanic stone, it is an unforgettable place for a trip. Churches dominate it, but the Historical Center is also rich of markets, museums and buildings.
Piazza Duomo
It is one of the most famous place of Catania. Here the Eelefantino’s statue stands, and it is actually the symbol of the city which, following the legend, protects the city from the Etna’s eruptions. The shape of the square is dated 1736 even it includes elements from different ages. In addition to the statue, it is also possible to see the Elephant’s Palace, which hosts the Town Hall, the Chierichi’s Palace and the Cathedral.
Sant’Agata Church
The Church of Sant’Agata is the Dome of the city. Rebuilt several times during the centuries through which the city was destroyed by earthquakes and eruptions, it was built on the rests of ancient Romanic terms. Its façade, a work by Vaccarini, was realized with Carrara marble, while the columns come from the ancient Romaic theatre of the city. At its internal space you can find the chapel dedicated to Sant’Agata which nowadays are conserved her relics and the Tomb of Vincenzo Bellini.
Via Etna
3 km long, it starts from Piazza Duomo and it is structured in a way that it is always possible to have an optimal view of Etna. It is the street of shopping and walking. It is rich of Baroque palaces dated 1693, year in which the city was destroyed by an earthquake.
Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini
The Theatre is dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini and it is a huge building that nowadays includes an orchestra of 105 elements and a choir of 84. Unfortunately, todays it is possible to see only a small portion of the overall building, which embraces a hall with four tiers of stages and a richly decorated gallery. The ceiling, instead is painted with imagines of Norma, the most famous opera of Bellini, the Sonnambula, Puritani and Mirata.
Via dei Crociferi
Via dei Crociferi is a particular street as in less than almost 20 meters includes 4 churches. Here you will be able to see San Benedetto’s Church with its characteristic stepped of the Angel, the San Francesco Borgia Church, the Jesuit College and San Giuliano Church. The street belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Benedictine Monastery
The Benedictine Monastery is one of the biggest monastery of Europe. Dated 500 years ago and it belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Patrimony. It preserves inside several wonders such the roof garden and a Romanic Domus.
The Fishmongers
It is one of the market of Catania, perhaps the most evocative. The Fishmongers is located near Dome Square and is the fish market of Catania. There are no timing as it is opened until there are people and fresh fishes to be sold. The colors, the screams of the fishermen which try to catch customers and also the smells will become part of an unforgettable experience.
Biscari Palace
Biscari Palace is, without dubs, one of the most characteristic building of Catania. Luxurious and elegant it is the opulence emblem which saw Catania in the past centuries. Unmissable its fresco which decorate ceilings, the ubiquitous decorations on the walls and the dance hall that will bring you back in time.
Ursino Castle
Built by Federico II of Svevia in the XII Century, the Ursino Castle is one the most important building of the city. Of Norman Origin, during the Sicilian Vespri was base of the Parliament and then became the residence of the Aragonese Family. Today it is base of the Civic Museum of Catania and includes in its 3 floors rests of inestimable value, such one of the nails which should have been used during Christ’s Crucifixion.