General Info

Of uncertain etymology, one of which (Greek prefix katà - named after the Greek volcano Aitnè, leaning against Etna) captures its peculiar position, Catania rises on the slopes of the highest active volcano in Europe. Its history, like that of the entire island, is a succession of dominations that want it as capital of the Kingdom of Trinacria under the Aragonese one of the XIII - XV century. Unlike the city of Palermo, in which the architectural and artistic peculiarities of the different dominations are mixed together, in the city of Catania you breathe primarily the Baroque, as it was affected by two catastrophic events (the eruption of Mount Etna 1669 and the earthquake of the Val di Noto of 1693) which required almost total reconstruction. One of the few places that retains its original shape is Castello Ursino, from the Swabian period. The use of lava stone for the construction of buildings, then, gives the city of Catania a peculiar aspect. After the annexation of Sicily to the Italian kingdom, Catania underwent a process of transformation and modernization that gave it part of its current connotation, with the expansion of infrastructures and roads and the construction of art nouveau villas and the promenade. Catania is a lively city, under different profiles, which has allowed it to experience a profitable industrial, economic and cultural development since the second post-war period and to specialize in two particular productive sectors: the electronic one (with the consequent creation of Etna Valley on the model). most famous of Silicon) and the chemical-pharmaceutical one. With a population of more than 300,000 inhabitants and home to one of the main Sicilian universities, Catania also offers an intense nightlife, all along the historic center and neighboring areas, with places that in summer become so-called "concert cafés".

Top Things To See

Catania offers many attractions. Here we list those not to be missed: Castello Ursino and Museo Civico Commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia, it was the seat of the Sicilian parliament and royal residence during the Aragonese domination. Over time, through the construction of several fortifications, it also assumed a role in the military sphere, which however did not last beyond the seventeenth century, following extensive damage to the structure during the catastrophic events that affected the city of Catania towards the end of the seventeenth century . Its fortunes rose again in the 20th century, around the 1930s when the municipality of Catania decided to acquire the Castle, renovate it and use it as a civic museum of the city. Cathedral of Sant'Agata Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, the cathedral overlooks a late-Baroque style square where the symbol of the city stands out, the stone elephant, linked to the origins of the first settlements in the territory of Catania protected by an elephant , in fact, that to favor them removed all the animals from the area. The cathedral stands on the ruins of a thermal building and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, up to the current configuration dating back to the 18th century. In a solemn interior with three naves it is possible to admire the so-called “fercolo”, the votive machine with which the casket and bust of Sant’Agata are conducted along the streets of the city for the patronal feast. Benedictine monastery The pride of late Baroque art and the second largest Benedictine monastery in Europe, the monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena (or la Rena, which in dialect indicates the red sand of the volcano), in the historic center of Catania, was founded in the sixteenth century by Benedictine monks of Nicolosi who, threatened by volcanic eruptions, obtained permission to build within the city walls. It is part of the assets that are recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and today houses the Department of Humanities of the University of Catania. Villa Bellini The Bellini garden, whose original core dates back to the 1700s and was part of a Catania aristocrat, is one of the oldest gardens in the city. Despite the difficulties encountered in transforming it into a communal garden and the glorious glories it enjoyed up until a certain period in the history of Catania, for about a century Villa Bellini has failed to be valued for what it deserves. However, it deserves a walk through its tree-lined avenues, including the suggestive one of the "illustrious men", where it is possible to admire marble busts dedicated to men who made the history of Italy and of Catania (Verga, Mazzini, Capuana, etc.). ) Teatro Massimo “Vincenzo Bellini” The city's main opera house, located in the square of the same name, was inaugurated in 1890 with the representation of the Norma by Vincenzo Bellini and is still considered the theater with the best acoustics in the world. From the neo-baroque style of the façade, it holds 1200 seats, with four tiers of boxes and the gallery.

How To Move

Catania can be reached by plane, train, bus, ship, taxi and car. In the city it is possible to ride on the municipal bus lines of the AMT and recently the “Catania pass” has been set up which allows tourists to enjoy unlimited transport, access to museums and attractions with discounts, and receive discounts shops, restaurants and other affiliated activities. In addition, metropolitan transport is in service in Catania, with the exception of Sundays and public holidays. The neighboring areas and other provincial capitals can be reached through the extra-urban transport service provided by the AST company.

What To Eat

Pasta alla norma dedicated to the most famous opera by Bellini and consequently the most famous dish in the city, based on fried eggplants, tomato, salted ricotta and basil. Horse meat, a typical Catanese tradition, therefore it is possible to come across frequently in specialized butchery in horsemeat and in some of them, converted into a trattoria, it is possible to stop and enjoy it. Minne di Sant’Agata From a such devout city such it could not miss the cake dedicated to the patron saint who refers to his martyrdom. In fact, SantʻAgata was castrated for not wanting to cede to the court of the Roman proconsul Quinziano. The minne of Sant’Agata, also called minnuzze, are small Sicilian cassatinas, based on sponge cake, sweetened ricotta and royal dough, breast-shaped whose nipple is represented by a candied cherry. Iris Fried brioche dough filled with cream or chocolate, a typical Sicilian street food. Scacciata Baked bread dough filled with typical local cheese, turma, anchovies, pepper and oil. There are also variations with broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes and sausage.