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Visit Catania

Catania is located on the eastern coast of Sicily by the Ionian Sea, halfway between Messina and Syracuse.

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, and is also a port town. In common with other Sicilian cities Cataniahas a rich historical heritage, and the foundations of the city are thought to predate the Romans - during the Roman Period the city was a well known city of the empire with a name very similar to its Italian variation: Catina.

The city suffered very extensive damage during an earthquake in 1693, hence a great deal of what we see today dates from the century that followed the tragedy.

In the shadow of Mount Etna

In common with Naples on the Italian mainland (which sits in the shadow of the notorious Mount Vesuvius), Catania is also a coastal city which is overshadowed by an equally devastating yet breathtaking volcano at Mount Etna - an active volcano that still erupts from time to time.

Catania history and architecture

The historical architecture of Catania is a worth visiting attraction and the city center area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a huge number of buildings, particularly exhibiting Baroque Architecture, which are major tourist attractions and are objects of study for the students of historical architecture.

As in other Sicilian cites, Catania’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) has a central position in the city life, and features fine views to Mount Etna. Among other landmarks, the u Liotru, the Catania Cathedral, the San Placido, St. Agatha’s Abbey, St. Francis Borgia, Santa Maria dell'Aiuto, Basilica di San Nicola l'Arena and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi are all to feature during your visit to the town.

Apart from that a number of archaeological sites including the Greek-Roman Theater, which lies within the city, just by the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Roman Thermal Baths, the Odeon and the Catanian Roman Amphitheater. St. Agatha is the patron saint of the city and her feast is celebrated on February 5.

Want to buy something Sicilian? Head for Via Etnea, a popular shopping avenue.

Beaches near Catania include La Playa, Fiumefreddo apart from the rocky volcanic coast that stretches up to Taormina.

Mount Etna

At 35 km north-west of Catania, and visible from much of the region, it is needless to mention that Mount Etna is a major source of interest for tourists to Catania. At 3370 metres high it is Europe's highest volcano, and it is still active - the cablecar that once ran to the top was destroyed by the eruption in 2001, although a train still operates around the base of Mount Etna.