A Guide to Catania

Catania is the largest city in the east of Sicily and lies on the Ionian coast. The city is dominated not only by the presence of the volcano Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano, but also by the resources that the volcano has provided. The buildings are built from the lava of the volcano, whilst the Roman ruins are encrusted by the lava.

Each year, Etna attracts thousands of sightseers from all over the world and a visit to the crater is a must, whilst you can use it as a ski slope in the winter. The Baroque architecture, particularly of the churches, is some of the best on Sicily and should not be mist. The cities history is intriguing and perhaps its main attraction. Catania has been of great importance as a city since the first Greek colonists set foot on Sicily in 729 BC. As well as the fascinating political history the natural disasters that have plagued the city add to its mysterious nature.

The eruption of Etna in 1669 and the earthquake of 1693 being the most devastating to the city. Some of the numerous intriguing sites include the Cathedral of Catania, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, the Fountain dell’Amenano, Palazzo Asmundo di Gisira, Ursino Castle, the Convent of St Maria dell’Indirizzo, the thermal baths dell’Indirizzo, Porta Carlo V, Porta Uzeda, the House and Museum of Giovanni Verga, the Massimo Theatre, the Casa del Mutilato, Palazzo Paliamone, Palazzo Biscari, Palazzo Valle, the Collegio dei Nobili, the Casa di Vaccarini, Palazzo dei Principi di Manganelli, the Monument to Bellini, Palazzo della Borsa, Villa Cerami, the Roman theatre, the Belliniano Museum, the Roman Baths, and the Benedettini Monastery to name a few.

The most splendid festival across the whole of Sicily takes place in Catania between the 3 and 5 of February, the Festa di Sant’Agata, the patron saint of the city. The famous procession as part of the festival involves the six meter high candles being paraded around the streets.