
5 iconic places to visit in Catania
The city of Catania is full of architectural gems, symbols of its thousand-year history and the many influences that make it an open-air museum. Visiting Catania means being amazed on every street, an authentic experience between culture, landscapes and discovering the Sicilian soul.
Let's discover 5 of the most iconic places to visit in Catania!
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is home to the symbolic and legendary 18th century Elephant Fountain, which is said to protect the city from the eruptions of Mount Etna. Other important buildings located in this square are Palazzo degli Elefanti, the town hall of Catania, Palazzo dei Chierici and of course the cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Catania’s Duomo.
St Agatha's Cathedral
St Agatha's Cathedral has a baroque façade made of white Carrara marble by architect Vaccarini, who also designed the Elephant Fountain. In addition to numerous works of art, the Cathedral houses the tomb of the composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), to whom the city's theatre is dedicated.
Teatro Massimo 'Vincenzo Bellini'.
After various events, Teatro Massimo "Vincenzo Bellini" was inaugurated in 1890, following the plans of architects Andrea Scala and Carlo Sada. The theatre is lavishly decorated, with a frescoed ceiling, a perfect setting for performances by not only Italian, but also international orchestras and choirs.
Pescheria, the fish market
On weekdays, strolling around Catania near Piazza del Duomo, you will be attracted by the voices of the merchants of the Pescheria, the city's fish market. The popular vuciate, or shouts, with which the merchants advertise their wares to passers-by, make this market a true symbol of Catania, where you can get advice on the best fish of the day from real experts.
Via Etnea
Catania's main shopping street is via Etnea. It is 3 km long, it starts in Piazza Duomo and takes your sight to the volcano that frames the city's roofs, Mount Etna. A stroll will take you to the remains of Greek-Roman Catania and, at the end of the street, to Villa Bellini and the Botanical Garden of Catania.