Catania

Repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt following the catastrophic events that have marked its history, Catania “reborn” at the beginning of the ‘700, with the beautiful baroque face designed by the architect Gian Battista Vaccarini.

The use of lava and limestone gave the baroque palaces a distinctive “black and white” style.

The Elephant Fountain, U Liotru, is the symbol of Catania. It is a black basalt statue in Piazza Duomo, next to the majestic Cathedral of Sant’Agata.

Inside there is the tomb of the musician from Catania Vincenzo Bellini and a very valuable urn in which are contained the relics of the patron saint of the city.

Along the streets of the ‘baroque’ of Catania, from Via Etnea to Via dei Crociferi there are charming noble palaces, such as Palazzo Biscari, beautiful churches such as the Badia di Sant’Agata, the Collegiata and the church of S. Benedetto.

The beautiful complex of the Benedictine Monastery, one of the largest in Europe. Massimo Bellini Theatre, inaugurated in 1890 with Vincenzo Bellini’s Norma and equipped with excellent acoustics. The Roman Theatre, the Odéon and the Roman Amphitheatre, visible only in part, in the centre of Piazza Stesicoro, date back to the Greco-Roman era.
Do not miss a trip to Piscaria, the fish market with its colorful stalls, animated by the “banniate” of its fishmongers.

Here you can enjoy traditional street food, fresh fish and the legendary Sicilian granita with almonds from Avola.