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Nov 28, 2023 · Discover the underrated gem of Sicily: Catania, a city with gritty Baroque architecture, volcanic views, and local food. Explore the historic center, the fish market, the gardens, and the nearby Mount Etna.
Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial center of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania–Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy. The central "old town" of Catania features exuberant late-baroque architecture, prompted after the 1693 earthquake, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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- Piazza del Duomo. Start by going to piazza del Duomo, which is (as everywhere in Sicily) the heart of the city. Standing in the center of the square, you can admire the city’s emblem: The Elephant’s Fountain (fontana dell’ elefante in Italian).
- Duomo Di Catania. Behind the fountain, there is Catania Cathedral, which can be visited free of charge every day of the week. Its exterior facade is very beautiful, all in white marble and the interior is dedicated to Saint Agatha, a young virgin tortured after refusing the amorous advances of a Roman prefect.
- La pescheria. Just behind the piazza del Duomo, go for a walk in the fish market, the Pescheria. But beware it’s a real authentic market! You will stroll among decapitated swordfish, live lobsters, sardines and anchovies.
- Via Etnea. From piazza del duomo, take Via Etnea, the main street of Catania. You guessed it, this street’s name comes from the view you will have there.
- Overview
- Catania Overview
- Opera House
- Fish Market
- Monastero Benedettine
- Central Piazza
- Largest Monastery
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This article is about Catania, Sicily's second-biggest city. It has a strong magnetic pull with cool and gritty bars, abundant energy and an earthy spirit in sharp contrast to Palermo’s aristocratic airs. The historic core of the city is Unesco-listed wonder with black-and-white palazzi tower over sweeping baroque piazzas, ancient ruins and food be...
For all the noise, chaos and scruffiness that hit the visitor at first glance, Catania has a strong magnetic pull. This is Sicily at its most youthful with cool bars, abundant energy and an earthy spirit in sharp contrast to Palermo’s aristocratic airs. The historic core is Unesco-listed wonder with black-and-white palazzi tower over sweeping baroq...
Completed in 1890 made for Vincenzo Bellini, lavish stucco-and-marble extravagance of opera house suitably reflects composer's hometown status.
Raucous fish market takes over streets behind Piazza del Duomo every workday morning as pure street theatre with tables groaning under seafood bounty.
Adjacent sites include Benedictine convent & Chiesa di San Benedetto; top billing goes to church built between 1739 & 1751 by Sicilian baroque maestro Vaccarini .
A Unesco World Heritage Site, central piazza contrasts lava & limestone surrounded by buildings in unique local style .
One of Europe's largest monasteries built in 1703 now part of city showcasing wealth enjoyed by Benedictine order .
Discover Catania, Sicily's youthful and gritty city with a strong magnetic pull. Explore its attractions, such as the Teatro Massimo Bellini, the Fontana dell'Elefante, and the Monastero delle Benedettine, and book activities and guidebooks with Lonely Planet.
- Cathedral of Saint Agatha. In the vibrant center of Catania, you’ll find the stunning Cattedrale di Sant’Agata. This grand cathedral serves as the heart of the city.
- Fontana dell’Elefante. Begin your journey through Catania by immersing into the vibrant atmosphere of the Piazza del Duomo. This is the city’s main square and beating heart of the historic center.
- Ursino Castle. Venture south and discover another facet of Catania’s interesting past – the impressive Castello Ursino. This striking medieval fortress, built in the 13th century as the royal castle of the Kingdom of Sicily, bears witness to the city’s historical stories.
- Catania Fish Market. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Piazza del Duomo awaits the Catania Fish Market. This is a bustling spectacle where locals of all ages passionately sell their fresh catch (open daily till 2 PM).
Discover the cosmopolitan, exuberant and eclectic city of Catania, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Baroque architecture and lava monuments. Explore its palaces, markets, monasteries, kiosks and street food, and enjoy the views of Mount Etna.
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Jan 26, 2020 · 1. Basilica Cattedrale Sant’Agata. Source: flickr. Cathedral of Catania. The Cathedral of Catania is a simply beautiful structure and is a masterpiece of Norman and Baroque architecture. Located in the centre of the old town, the cathedral can be found in the self-styled Piazza Del Duomo and is in close proximity to many of the other sights.
