From the cathedral of Sant'Agata to the Benedictine monastery, passing through the San Berillo district: the best things to do and see in Catania.
Catania, the beautiful city that rises on the slopes of Etna, is one of the most popular destinations on the island ofSicily. With a historic center UNESCO World Heritage Site, a cosmopolitan air and a thousand-year history that has its roots in 729 BC, Catania is one of those places capable of enchanting even the hardest hearts.
Located along the eastern coast of Sicily, at the foot of the highest active volcano inEurope, Etna, Catania offers views that range from the white beaches to the black lava flows, from the crystalline blue of the sea to the green of the dense woods, from the baroque style of the historic center to the ancient finds dating back to Greek and Roman times. All characteristics which, without any shadow of a doubt, make this city a suitable destination for every type of traveler or tourist.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN CATANIA
The foundation of the city of Catania (whose name derives from Siciliankatanaswhich means "grater" and refers to the lava territory on which it stands) dates back to 729 BC when Greek colonists from nearby Naxos arrived in these places. Over the centuries, Catania underwent Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese, Spanish and Bourbon influences and dominations which, on an artistic, cultural and historical level, contributed to forming the face it shows today.
In this article I leave you a list of the best 7 things to do and see in Catania, with advice on where to stay and how to get there.
Cathedral of Sant'Agata
Located in the heart of the historic center of Catania, which due to its baroque style has been included in the UNESCO heritage list, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata stands in Piazza Duomo and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. It was built in 1074 by the Romans on the ruins ofAchilliane Bathsand, over the centuries, it has undergone numerous reconstructions following the earthquakes and lava flows that followed one another.
The churchyard is protected by a wrought iron gate from which the figures of ten bronze saints stand out, while the façade has three orders in Corinthian style adorned by the statues of Sant'Agata in the centre, Sant'Euplio on the right and San Berillo on the left. The interior, however, has three naves. The altar is located in the central one according to the Norman style in the center of which there is a lava stone window.
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The most important chapel for the people of Catania is certainly that of Sant'Agata, at the end of the right nave, from which you then access theunderground chamber(or cammaredda in Sicilian) where the relics (the bust and a casket) of the patron Virgin are kept.
Catania Elephant Fountain (and myth of Heliodorus)
Built between 1735 and 1737 by the architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the Elephant Fountain is located in Piazza Duomo, in front of the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, and represents the symbol of the city of Catania.
It is a black basalt statue depicting an elephant, calledu Liotru, whose legend is linked to the myth of Heliodorus, a nobleman from Catania who aspired to be appointed bishop of the diocese. Having fallen into disgrace, it is said that Heliodorus turned to Satan for riches and fortunes in exchange for a total renunciation of the Christian faith. Heliodorus received the power to create things and so, starting from the black lava of Etna, he created an elephant in lava stone which for years he used in the city to command, rage and make life impossible for the people of Catania. To be able to admire all the wonders of the historic center of Catania on foot, we recommend aguided walking touror tour with street food tastings.
Ursino Castle
Among the things to see in Catania, Castello Ursino stands out, an ancient manor house that was built in the 13th century by Frederick II of Swabia. Seat of parliament during iSicilian Vespers, Ursino Castle in Catania was for years the residence of the Sovereigns of Sicily of the House of Aragon.
The structure has a square plan, with four circular towers at the corners and as many median towers (only two remain). The walls, made of lava stone, are surrounded by a moat and over two meters thick. The entrance is located on the north side and has a niche with a sculpture inside depicting aSwabian eagle (symbol of the power of Frederick II) catching a hare. It is possible to visit it with aguided tour which also includes the Bellini Theatre.
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Since 1934, Castello Ursino in Catania has beenCivic Museum of the city and houses the Biscari and Benedictine collection inside.
Roman Theater of Catania
Located in the heart of the historic center of Catania, the Roman Theater is one of the symbols of the city. According to archaeologists, it is likely that it is the restoration of an older Greek theater (sandstone blocks with Greek letters were found) which took place in the 2nd century during the period of the emperors Augustus and Hadrian.
The structure is composed of a stage that was originally decorated with marble columns, a pulpit, an orchestra and a large auditorium almost 100 meters in diameter made up of twenty-one sets of seats.
Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena
Located in Piazza Dante, not far from the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò was founded in the sixteenth century by monks from Nicolosi and is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Catania. It is an ecclesiastical complex made up of a monastic building and an eighteenth-century church which, together, occupy an area of over 100 thousand square metres.
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Considered the second largest Benedictine monastery in Europe, the complex now houses the department of Humanities of the University of Catania and, due to its late Sicilian baroque beauties, is included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.
Note:The ordinary visit to the Benedictine Monastery lasts approximately 75 minutes. The ticket has a standard cost of 8 euros.
Massimo Bellini Theatre
Located in Piazza Cutelli, the Teatro Massimo Bellini is the place where the opera of Catania is performed and is dedicated to the Catanian composer Vincenzo Bellini. The external style, at the behest of the architect Andrea Scala, is very similar to that of the OpéraParis with numerous ornaments and an elegant entrance portico.
The interior is characterized by a horseshoe-shaped room with four tiers of boxes surmounted by a ceiling frescoed by the painter Ernesto Bellandi.
San Berillo neighborhood
Located between via Coppola and via Nicolosi, the San Berillo district of Catania deserves a place of honor among the things absolutely to see in the city.
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Colourful, artistic and picturesque more than ever, the San Berillo neighborhood is a riot of street art, murals, trendy bars and total attention to greenery. The area is dedicated to the first bishop and founder of the Christian community of Catania, San Berillo, who according to tradition was sent to the city by Saint Peter the Apostle and died a martyr.
Underground Catania
Among the best experiences to live in Catania, an excursion to discover the most hidden and lesser-known places in the city stands out. L'itinerary of Underground Catania, organized byEtna 'ngeniosa association, winds through history, mystery and legend, passing through real underground gems hidden among modern buildings and trendy clubs like theGammazita Well or the ruins of the Temple of Sant'Euplio.
Villa Bellini and Pacini Garden
Villa Bellini and Giardino Pacini are the oldest green spaces, two gems absolutely to be included in the list of the best things to see in Catania. The first rises not far from the Roman amphitheater, along the northern part of the central cityvia Etneaand, originally, it belonged to Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello di Biscari. The second, however, is located under the arches of the Marina, near the ancient oneUzeda door.
Giovanni Verga's house
Among the best things to see in Catania, the Casa Museo di Giovanni Verga stands out, it is the house where the writer spent his childhood and, later, lived for many years with his family. Inside there is a complete library with around 2600 volumes, a private study and copies of manuscripts.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN CATANIA: Find all offers for accommodation
Note: The entrance ticket to the Verga House Museum has a standard cost of 4 euros.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN CATANIA
Thanks to the presence of the Vincenzo Bellini international airport, the city of Catania is a major tourist destination. The historic center offers different types of accommodation depending on the various needs of travellers. If you are looking for comfortable accommodation, a few kilometers away from the main attractions, theB&B Pupi Cataniait's exactly right for you. Located in the heart of Acitrezza, with an incredible view of the Cyclops Riviera, this structure contains all the essence of Sicily. From the names of the rooms to the breakfasts with coffee and coffee maker, from the perfect hospitality of Peppe (the owner) to the details such as carts, puppets and genuine Sicilian magazines, this is the ideal place to feel pampered and relaxed, like at home.
