Catania
The City of the Elephant and Mount Etna
Hot and volcanic, Catania is a versatile city just waiting to be discovered
Twice designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Catania has a heart that beats as ferociously as Mount Etna, the volcano with which it has always shared a love affair and shown reverential respect.
Travellers to this city will certainly be enchanted by the splendour of the numerous palaces, squares and theatres with their Baroque architecture, built with and on lava stone, with its characteristic dark colour.
In the historic city centre, the monuments, local markets and modern city buildings mingle with traditions and a lively local nightlife.
Travellers to this city will certainly be enchanted by the splendour of the numerous palaces, squares and theatres with their Baroque architecture, built with and on lava stone, with its characteristic dark colour.
In the historic city centre, the monuments, local markets and modern city buildings mingle with traditions and a lively local nightlife.
What not to miss in Catania:
monuments, fairs and markets, street food and festivals
The long Via Etnea, which runs through the city and connects to numerous small lanes and alleyways, is the ideal place to shop or take a moment to unwind in one of the many pretty cafes or bars while enjoying a granita and croissant (there are too many flavours to choose from!) or an authentic Sicilian orange juice.
No visit to the city is complete without savouring the colours and aromas of the local dishes: arancini, deli specialties, steak and horse meat meatballs. Equally typical and certainly a must-visit are the markets: the “Fera 'o Luni” in Piazza Carlo Alberto, or “fiera del Lune”, the meaning of which is probably linked to the market's opening day, Monday (Fiera del Lunedì means Monday fair), and the fish market (“pescheria”) with its colourful and infectiously cheerful atmosphere.
These markets have always been a destination for tourists keen on photography to see unique and authentic sides of Sicily. But Catania also has a profoundly religious and devout soul that travellers can discover by visiting the many churches in the old town (“città vecchia”) as well as the cathedral opposite the Duomo where you can admire the famous elephant statue, the icon of the city, and the large votive candles (“candelore”) carried in procession during the festival of the city’s patron saint, Saint Agatha, from 3 to 5 February.
No visit to the city is complete without savouring the colours and aromas of the local dishes: arancini, deli specialties, steak and horse meat meatballs. Equally typical and certainly a must-visit are the markets: the “Fera 'o Luni” in Piazza Carlo Alberto, or “fiera del Lune”, the meaning of which is probably linked to the market's opening day, Monday (Fiera del Lunedì means Monday fair), and the fish market (“pescheria”) with its colourful and infectiously cheerful atmosphere.
These markets have always been a destination for tourists keen on photography to see unique and authentic sides of Sicily. But Catania also has a profoundly religious and devout soul that travellers can discover by visiting the many churches in the old town (“città vecchia”) as well as the cathedral opposite the Duomo where you can admire the famous elephant statue, the icon of the city, and the large votive candles (“candelore”) carried in procession during the festival of the city’s patron saint, Saint Agatha, from 3 to 5 February.
The magnificent Mount Etna and Catania,
a history of enduring reverential respect
Catania is a lady, nestled between the blue Sicilian sea and the red heart of the volcano.
The territory of Catania overlooks the Ionian Sea, culminating at the foot of Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna.
Precisely because of its dangerous proximity, Catania has been repeatedly hit by strong volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, which have also destroyed it. Ash, volcanic rock particles, and an atmosphere that always seems veiled in a melancholic but warm cloud of grey are traits that are testament to Etna's activity and constant presence in the daily life of Catania and its people.
The picturesque peaks of Mount Etna, sun-drenched and black in summer and cloaked in white in winter, offer unforgettable breathtaking landscapes to visitors to this city.
The territory of Catania overlooks the Ionian Sea, culminating at the foot of Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna.
Precisely because of its dangerous proximity, Catania has been repeatedly hit by strong volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, which have also destroyed it. Ash, volcanic rock particles, and an atmosphere that always seems veiled in a melancholic but warm cloud of grey are traits that are testament to Etna's activity and constant presence in the daily life of Catania and its people.
The picturesque peaks of Mount Etna, sun-drenched and black in summer and cloaked in white in winter, offer unforgettable breathtaking landscapes to visitors to this city.
