Welcome to Catania
Visite turistiche
Castello Ursino (Sicilian: Casteddu Ursinu, lit. 'Bear Castle'), also known as Castello Svevo di Catania,is a castle in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. It was built in the 13th century as a royal castle of the Kingdom of Sicily, and is mostly known for its role in the Sicilian Vespers, when it became the seat of the Sicilian Parliament. The castle is in good condition today, and it is open to the public as a museum.
The castle was acquired by the city of Catania in 1932, and it was restored. The Museo Civico opened in the restored castle on 20 October 1934. Today, the museum houses artifacts and artwork from the castle as well as the greater geographical area. These items date from the Classical era onward, representing the diverse influences throughout Sicilian history. Frequently, the castle hosts also temporary exhibitions or artistic events (theatrical representations and concerts). It also possible to use the historical site to celebrate a civilian union.
Further restoration work was carried out in November 2009.
360 místní doporučují
Hrad Ursino
21 Piazza Federico di SveviaCastello Ursino (Sicilian: Casteddu Ursinu, lit. 'Bear Castle'), also known as Castello Svevo di Catania,is a castle in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. It was built in the 13th century as a royal castle of the Kingdom of Sicily, and is mostly known for its role in the Sicilian Vespers, when it became the seat of the Sicilian Parliament. The castle is in good condition today, and it is open to the public as a museum.
The castle was acquired by the city of Catania in 1932, and it was restored. The Museo Civico opened in the restored castle on 20 October 1934. Today, the museum houses artifacts and artwork from the castle as well as the greater geographical area. These items date from the Classical era onward, representing the diverse influences throughout Sicilian history. Frequently, the castle hosts also temporary exhibitions or artistic events (theatrical representations and concerts). It also possible to use the historical site to celebrate a civilian union.
Further restoration work was carried out in November 2009.
The Fondazione Brodbeck was set up on 30 November, 2007 by the family of Paolo Brodbeck. It is located within a post-industrial complex in the heart of old Catania, in the historical quarter of San Cristoforo, therefore in a strategic position just a little way from the Ursino Castle Civic Museum, Piazza Duomo and Piazza Università. The complex, which dates back to the end of the 19th century, with later additions in the last century, it has had various uses. Initially, it was used for the production of liquorice and fruit processing. During the Second World War, it was used as a military garrison and, finally, it became a Farmers’ Association warehouse and carpenter’s shop. The entire block is an area of 6 thousand square metres. To date, 600 square metres have been restructured and other 1200 have been set out.
Fondazione Brodbeck
93 Via GramignaniThe Fondazione Brodbeck was set up on 30 November, 2007 by the family of Paolo Brodbeck. It is located within a post-industrial complex in the heart of old Catania, in the historical quarter of San Cristoforo, therefore in a strategic position just a little way from the Ursino Castle Civic Museum, Piazza Duomo and Piazza Università. The complex, which dates back to the end of the 19th century, with later additions in the last century, it has had various uses. Initially, it was used for the production of liquorice and fruit processing. During the Second World War, it was used as a military garrison and, finally, it became a Farmers’ Association warehouse and carpenter’s shop. The entire block is an area of 6 thousand square metres. To date, 600 square metres have been restructured and other 1200 have been set out.
Per terme Achilliane si intendono delle strutture termali sotterranee databili al IV-V secolo situate a Catania di cui rimane appena una piccola porzione visibile sotto piazza del Duomo.
Si accede all'ambiente termale passando da un corridoio con volta a botte ricavato nell'intercapedine tra le fondamenta della cattedrale il cui accesso è preceduto da una rampa in discesa a destra della facciata della stessa. Il nome dell'impianto è dedotto da un'iscrizione su lastra di marmo lunense ridottasi in sei frammenti principali , databile alla prima metà del V secolo, oggi esposta all'interno del Museo civico al Castello Ursino.
38 místní doporučují
Terme Achilliane
8 Piazza del DuomoPer terme Achilliane si intendono delle strutture termali sotterranee databili al IV-V secolo situate a Catania di cui rimane appena una piccola porzione visibile sotto piazza del Duomo.
Si accede all'ambiente termale passando da un corridoio con volta a botte ricavato nell'intercapedine tra le fondamenta della cattedrale il cui accesso è preceduto da una rampa in discesa a destra della facciata della stessa. Il nome dell'impianto è dedotto da un'iscrizione su lastra di marmo lunense ridottasi in sei frammenti principali , databile alla prima metà del V secolo, oggi esposta all'interno del Museo civico al Castello Ursino.
Spread over an area of 900 square meters, on two elevations, the Cinema Museum of Catania, at the Le Ciminiere Cultural Center, was inaugurated on May 16, 2003, and, like all the exhibition facilities of the Museum Circuit of the Regional Province of Catania, takes special care of activities and services for educational and tourist visits. It collects, increases and offers to the public documents concerning the art of cinema, its techniques and its history, with particular regard to the relationship between Cinema and Sicily.
The Cinema Museum exhibits photos of sets during the shooting of films that have a profound relationship with the Island and with contemporary Sicilian literature: these are films by Rossellini, Visconti, Bolognini, Antonioni, Germi, Rosi, Pasolini and others.
10 místní doporučují
Museo del Cinema di Catania
Piazzale Rocco ChinniciSpread over an area of 900 square meters, on two elevations, the Cinema Museum of Catania, at the Le Ciminiere Cultural Center, was inaugurated on May 16, 2003, and, like all the exhibition facilities of the Museum Circuit of the Regional Province of Catania, takes special care of activities and services for educational and tourist visits. It collects, increases and offers to the public documents concerning the art of cinema, its techniques and its history, with particular regard to the relationship between Cinema and Sicily.
The Cinema Museum exhibits photos of sets during the shooting of films that have a profound relationship with the Island and with contemporary Sicilian literature: these are films by Rossellini, Visconti, Bolognini, Antonioni, Germi, Rosi, Pasolini and others.
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). This fountain depicts an elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian obelisk.
Legend has it that this statue holds the power to appease Etna’s volcano anger.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.
This Christian martyr became the patron saint of the city, celebrated every 5th of February during the Feast of Sant’Agata. Its relics are located inside the cathedral.
In the cathedral, you can also see the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, the famous classical composer. Born in Catania in 1801, he is the author of numerous operas, including the “Norma”, his masterpiece.
On this square, you can also see Catania’s Palazzo Municipio.
36 místní doporučují
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del DuomoStart 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). This fountain depicts an elephant carved in black lava, topped by an Egyptian obelisk.
Legend has it that this statue holds the power to appease Etna’s volcano anger.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.
This Christian martyr became the patron saint of the city, celebrated every 5th of February during the Feast of Sant’Agata. Its relics are located inside the cathedral.
In the cathedral, you can also see the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, the famous classical composer. Born in Catania in 1801, he is the author of numerous operas, including the “Norma”, his masterpiece.
On this square, you can also see Catania’s Palazzo Municipio.
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.
Fishes are emptied in front of your eyes and you may have to wade around a little bit in water and blood.
Adjacent to La pescheria is a more classic market, renowned for its vast choice of cheeses but also, and this is less appealing, for selling carcasses of animals and sheep’s heads, horns included!
The markets are held every morning on weekdays.
245 místní doporučují
Rybní trh v Catánii
Via BottinoJust 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.
Fishes are emptied in front of your eyes and you may have to wade around a little bit in water and blood.
Adjacent to La pescheria is a more classic market, renowned for its vast choice of cheeses but also, and this is less appealing, for selling carcasses of animals and sheep’s heads, horns included!
The markets are held every morning on weekdays.
You should definitely go to the gardens of Villa Bellini, they are ideal to enjoy a bit of freshness, take a rest or picnic. This park, located Via Etnea, is open until 10 pm.
You can stroll around the large trees and many fountains or simply sit on a bench in the shade. The place is very pleasant, with a children playground (in case you have kids!). Festivities, such as concerts, are regularly organized there.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Villa Bellini (if you are lucky enough to have it open).
319 místní doporučují
Giardino Bellini
292 Via EtneaYou should definitely go to the gardens of Villa Bellini, they are ideal to enjoy a bit of freshness, take a rest or picnic. This park, located Via Etnea, is open until 10 pm.
You can stroll around the large trees and many fountains or simply sit on a bench in the shade. The place is very pleasant, with a children playground (in case you have kids!). Festivities, such as concerts, are regularly organized there.
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Villa Bellini (if you are lucky enough to have it open).
Via Crociferi is the 2nd street to walk along during your visit to Catania. It could be nicknamed “the Church Street” as you can admire not less than 4 churches along the street.
Here are the churches you can visit there:
The San Francesco Church: to be seen for its giant candelabra
San Benedetto, said to have been built in one night
San Benedetto Church, dedicated to Saint Benedict
San Giuliano Church
San Nicolo all’ Arena Church: certainly not the most beautiful, as the construction was never finished.
If you want to visit the churches, you should note that most of them are only open in the morning.
The must-see attraction of Via Corciferi is certainly the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, which now houses a part of the university. It’s the 2nd largest in Europe, and you can visit it freely or with a guide.
Guided visits are only in Italian, but you can follow them thanks to the explanatory leaflet written in English.
208 místní doporučují
Via Crociferi
Via CrociferiVia Crociferi is the 2nd street to walk along during your visit to Catania. It could be nicknamed “the Church Street” as you can admire not less than 4 churches along the street.
Here are the churches you can visit there:
The San Francesco Church: to be seen for its giant candelabra
San Benedetto, said to have been built in one night
San Benedetto Church, dedicated to Saint Benedict
San Giuliano Church
San Nicolo all’ Arena Church: certainly not the most beautiful, as the construction was never finished.
If you want to visit the churches, you should note that most of them are only open in the morning.
The must-see attraction of Via Corciferi is certainly the former Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, which now houses a part of the university. It’s the 2nd largest in Europe, and you can visit it freely or with a guide.
Guided visits are only in Italian, but you can follow them thanks to the explanatory leaflet written in English.
There’s not much left of it today, but if you have time, go have a look at the Roman Theatre, next to Piazza del Duomo. You will be surprised by its architecture and vaults. Seeing it there, standing in the middle of modern buildings is quite surprising!
186 místní doporučují
Římské divadlo v Catánii
266 Via Vittorio Emanuele IIThere’s not much left of it today, but if you have time, go have a look at the Roman Theatre, next to Piazza del Duomo. You will be surprised by its architecture and vaults. Seeing it there, standing in the middle of modern buildings is quite surprising!
From Catania, many tours companies offer day trips to Etna. They will take you to the foot of the volcano, provide a guide and equipment, and organize the 4 Wheel-drive ride to the crater. Probably the best option in terms of safety!
You can also take a bus (daily departure around 8am for the Sapienza refuge at 5.60€ for a round trip) or go there by car, Etna is about 20 kilometers from Catania.
However, keep in mind that you will only be able to reach the 1st level of Mount Etna on your own. To reach the crater, the climb to the second level must be done in a guided minibus.
If you want to go to the Etna Volcano during your stay in Catania, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide. It’s simple, they have the best English speaking guides! And the price is very good too.
519 místní doporučují
Hora Etna
From Catania, many tours companies offer day trips to Etna. They will take you to the foot of the volcano, provide a guide and equipment, and organize the 4 Wheel-drive ride to the crater. Probably the best option in terms of safety!
You can also take a bus (daily departure around 8am for the Sapienza refuge at 5.60€ for a round trip) or go there by car, Etna is about 20 kilometers from Catania.
However, keep in mind that you will only be able to reach the 1st level of Mount Etna on your own. To reach the crater, the climb to the second level must be done in a guided minibus.
If you want to go to the Etna Volcano during your stay in Catania, I highly suggest you to book your tour with Getyourguide. It’s simple, they have the best English speaking guides! And the price is very good too.
Piazza Stesicoro is a rectangular city square in the historic center of the city of Catania, in Sicily, Italy.
The piazza is frequently host to markets. The circumvalent street is bisected by Via Etna and at the eastern end opens to the modern boulevard of corso Sicilia. The western half of the piazza displays ruins of the former Ancient Roman amphitheater of Catania. Facing the ruins is the neoclassical facade of the church of San Biagio, also known as Sant'Agata alla Fornace. Also facing the piazza are the following buildings: Palazzo Tezzano; Palazzo Paternò del Toscano; and the Palazzo Beneventano della Corte.
An 1842 guide to Sicily recalls the piazza hosting a monument to King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, with the monarch dressed in Ancient Roman garb.[1] this monument had been removed by 1864 after the 1861 defeat by Garibaldi of the armies of the Bourbon monarchy of Naples and Sicily. The monument honoring Ferdinand's father King Francis I, which had been at Piazza dell'Universita was also removed during this period.
The Ferdinand monument was replaced by the present Monument to Vincenzo Bellini, the composer of operas, with a base surrounded by characters from his operas.
134 místní doporučují
Piazza Stesicoro
Piazza StesicoroPiazza Stesicoro is a rectangular city square in the historic center of the city of Catania, in Sicily, Italy.
The piazza is frequently host to markets. The circumvalent street is bisected by Via Etna and at the eastern end opens to the modern boulevard of corso Sicilia. The western half of the piazza displays ruins of the former Ancient Roman amphitheater of Catania. Facing the ruins is the neoclassical facade of the church of San Biagio, also known as Sant'Agata alla Fornace. Also facing the piazza are the following buildings: Palazzo Tezzano; Palazzo Paternò del Toscano; and the Palazzo Beneventano della Corte.
An 1842 guide to Sicily recalls the piazza hosting a monument to King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, with the monarch dressed in Ancient Roman garb.[1] this monument had been removed by 1864 after the 1861 defeat by Garibaldi of the armies of the Bourbon monarchy of Naples and Sicily. The monument honoring Ferdinand's father King Francis I, which had been at Piazza dell'Universita was also removed during this period.
The Ferdinand monument was replaced by the present Monument to Vincenzo Bellini, the composer of operas, with a base surrounded by characters from his operas.
The Villa Cerami was once a semirural villa, located at the edge of the urban center and with a sizable surrounding garden, located at the Northern end of via Crocifero (#91), in the city of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. Once a private home, it now houses the offices of the School of Jurisprudence (Law) of the University of Catania. It is located on a rise above the city, the villa was built atop the ruins of part of the Roman amphitheater of which some ruins are visible in nearby Piazza Stesicoro. Adjacent or nearby are three Sant'Agata churches: la Vetere, al Carcere, and alla Fornace. The route down via Crocifero passes four major Baroque churches and convents.
19 místní doporučují
Villa Cerami
91 Via CrociferiThe Villa Cerami was once a semirural villa, located at the edge of the urban center and with a sizable surrounding garden, located at the Northern end of via Crocifero (#91), in the city of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. Once a private home, it now houses the offices of the School of Jurisprudence (Law) of the University of Catania. It is located on a rise above the city, the villa was built atop the ruins of part of the Roman amphitheater of which some ruins are visible in nearby Piazza Stesicoro. Adjacent or nearby are three Sant'Agata churches: la Vetere, al Carcere, and alla Fornace. The route down via Crocifero passes four major Baroque churches and convents.
The Palazzo Biscari is a monumental private palace located on Via Museo Biscari in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. The highly decorative interiors are open for guided tours, and used for social and cultural events. After the devastations of the 1693 Sicily earthquake, the Prince of Biscari, Ignazio Paternò Castello, 3rd Prince of Biscari, obtained the permission to build this palace. At the time the building stood against the French king Charles V's walls of the town. After Ignazio's death in 1699, his son Vincenzo (1685-1749) and later his nephew Ignazio Paternò Castello (1714-1786), the fifth Prince of Biscari extended and completed the decoration. This latter prince complimented the work with a museum space to display his large collection of mainly archeologic and numismatic collections, now on display in the Museo Civico Castello Ursino.
111 místní doporučují
Palazzo Biscari
10 Via Museo BiscariThe Palazzo Biscari is a monumental private palace located on Via Museo Biscari in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. The highly decorative interiors are open for guided tours, and used for social and cultural events. After the devastations of the 1693 Sicily earthquake, the Prince of Biscari, Ignazio Paternò Castello, 3rd Prince of Biscari, obtained the permission to build this palace. At the time the building stood against the French king Charles V's walls of the town. After Ignazio's death in 1699, his son Vincenzo (1685-1749) and later his nephew Ignazio Paternò Castello (1714-1786), the fifth Prince of Biscari extended and completed the decoration. This latter prince complimented the work with a museum space to display his large collection of mainly archeologic and numismatic collections, now on display in the Museo Civico Castello Ursino.
Le Guide ai Quartieri
We know that the current Plebiscito Road ran through the entire outer part of the city walls, inside which there was the medieval town of which today remain only a few short sections - here is almost nothing, because it got destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Among the Plebiscito Road streets there is Saint Christopher (Cristoforo), one of the most popular districts of Catania, although many labeled it negatively due to the people living there and because of criminal activities that often take place in this part of the city.
One of the main features of Plebiscito Road is the frugal way of eating on the street, the so-called "arrusti e mangia" (literally, "roast and eat"), expression which indicates the roasted meat eaten on the fly, without frills or concoctions. A spartan street food that knows no decline. Its epicenter is in Plebiscito Road, popular part of the historical centre of the town, where you will find at every step reataurants that occupy the sidewalks with their proposal to carnivores. The meat being privileged, is the less common one, such as horse meat and donkey meat. The meat is displayed in refrigerated counters, exposed: the customer chooses the piece he wants and from there the manager takes it and puts it to cook on the barbecue.
6 místní doporučují
Via Plebiscito
Via PlebiscitoWe know that the current Plebiscito Road ran through the entire outer part of the city walls, inside which there was the medieval town of which today remain only a few short sections - here is almost nothing, because it got destroyed by the earthquake of 1693. Among the Plebiscito Road streets there is Saint Christopher (Cristoforo), one of the most popular districts of Catania, although many labeled it negatively due to the people living there and because of criminal activities that often take place in this part of the city.
One of the main features of Plebiscito Road is the frugal way of eating on the street, the so-called "arrusti e mangia" (literally, "roast and eat"), expression which indicates the roasted meat eaten on the fly, without frills or concoctions. A spartan street food that knows no decline. Its epicenter is in Plebiscito Road, popular part of the historical centre of the town, where you will find at every step reataurants that occupy the sidewalks with their proposal to carnivores. The meat being privileged, is the less common one, such as horse meat and donkey meat. The meat is displayed in refrigerated counters, exposed: the customer chooses the piece he wants and from there the manager takes it and puts it to cook on the barbecue.
an Berillo was an ancient district in the center of Catania that was densely populated and full of artisans' workshops,[citation needed] which, as a result of the northward shift of the city center, lost importance until it became a run-down neighborhood. After the Val di Noto earthquake of 1693, which represented a caesura in the urban history of Catania, the reconstruction of the city began by orienting the main road axis of the town toward Mount Etna and placing in the so-called Quattro Canti the fulcrum of the restructuring.
The district of San Berillo took shape starting from Piazza Stesicoro, stretching east of Via Etnea in the direction of the area where the railway station was inaugurated; in its growth, however, no road artery in the direction of the station was realized.In 2019, the San Berillo district presents itself with a new face, thanks to young entrepreneurs who have decided to revalue its image by investing in premises and areas of cultural interest that daily attract the curiosity of tourists and Catanese who enjoy this newfound beauty.
22 místní doporučují
San Berillo
an Berillo was an ancient district in the center of Catania that was densely populated and full of artisans' workshops,[citation needed] which, as a result of the northward shift of the city center, lost importance until it became a run-down neighborhood. After the Val di Noto earthquake of 1693, which represented a caesura in the urban history of Catania, the reconstruction of the city began by orienting the main road axis of the town toward Mount Etna and placing in the so-called Quattro Canti the fulcrum of the restructuring.
The district of San Berillo took shape starting from Piazza Stesicoro, stretching east of Via Etnea in the direction of the area where the railway station was inaugurated; in its growth, however, no road artery in the direction of the station was realized.In 2019, the San Berillo district presents itself with a new face, thanks to young entrepreneurs who have decided to revalue its image by investing in premises and areas of cultural interest that daily attract the curiosity of tourists and Catanese who enjoy this newfound beauty.
Via Santa Filomena
Via Santa FilomenaInformazioni sulla città/località
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, and among the ten largest cities in Italy. It is located on Sicily's east coast, at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea.Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian Greeks.[6] The city has weathered multiple geologic catastrophes: it was almost completely destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1169.[6] A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake.[6]
During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centres. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434 It has been the native or adopted home of some of Italy's most famous artists and writers, including the composers Vincenzo Bellini and Giovanni Pacini, and the writers Giovanni Verga, Luigi Capuana, Federico De Roberto and Nino Martoglio.
Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial center of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy. However the central "old town" of Catania features exuberant late-baroque architecture, prompted after the 1693 earthquake, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CULTURE
Opera composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in Palazzo Gravina-Cruyllas in the city center, the palace now houses a museum about him. The Teatro Massimo "Vincenzo Bellini", which opened in 1890, presents a variety of works through a season, which run from December to May, including the works of its namesake.Giovanni Verga was born in Catania in 1840.[76] He became the greatest writer of Verismo, an Italian literary movement akin to Naturalism. His novels portray life among the lower levels of Sicilian society, such as fishermen and stonemasons, and were written in a mixture of both literary language and local dialect. Francesco Longo Mancini was a painter known for paintings of nudes who was born in Catania in 1880. The city's patron saint is Saint Agatha, who is celebrated with a religious pageantry, the Festival of Saint Agatha, on 5 February every year.
FOOD AND CUSINE
Food is an important part of Catania's culture and way of life. Local cuisine emphasizes several traits of Sicilian one, whilst developing some of its own.
Street food is one of the best ways to experience traditional dishes. Arancini are perhaps the city's most iconic one: they are stuffed rice balls coated in bread-crumbs and deep fried; in Catania, they are shaped like a cone to remind of Mount Etna. Typical specialties from the city include cipollina (puff pastry with onion, tomato and prosciutto filling), bolognese (a small pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and boiled egg and covered in puff pastry), crispelle (deep fried dough balls with ricotta or anchovies filling.)
During street-fairs and religious festivals, street stalls sell calia e simenza (toasted chickpeas and pumpkin seeds). Typical from old street markets are sangeli (cooked pork blood), quarumi (pork tripe), zuzzu (pork jelly), mauru (edible seaweed), and raw seafood. Horse meat is very traditional and it is sold in shops called arrusti e mancia ("roast it and eat it"), which roast the meat in streetside barbecues.[81]
Apart from street food, typical dishes from Catania are: pasta alla Norma (pasta with fried aubergine, tomato sauce and ricotta salata cheese), named after the namesake opera by Vincenzo Bellini; pasta cco niuru (pasta in cuttlefish ink), maccu (fava beans purée), bastaddi affucati or brocculi affucati (stewed cauliflower or broccoli), caponata (sautéed vegetables) and scacciata (a pie filled with tuma cheese) which is traditional during Christmastime.[82]
Catania is also famous for its pasticceria (pastries and cakes). Pastries vary according to season and to seasonal events: during the Festival of Saint Agatha, patron saint of the city, there are the cassatelle (small cassatas) and olivette (olive shaped almond paste). In Easter, there are aceddi ccu l’ovu (boiled eggs covered in biscuit). In summer there is granita. During the Festa dei morti (traditional celebrations in All Souls' Day) there are biscuits called ossa di mortu, rame di Napoli and nsuddi.
Drink kiosks are everywhere in town and serve soft drinks. Traditional soft drinks are made mixing fruit syrups with soda and other flavors such as anisette.
Local products include blood oranges, pistachios from Bronte, extra-virgin olive oil, cactus fruit, cherries, grapes from Mazzarrone, strawberries from Maletto, mushrooms, honey and wine
532 místní doporučují
Catania
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, after Palermo, and among the ten largest cities in Italy. It is located on Sicily's east coast, at the base of the active volcano, Mount Etna, and it faces the Ionian Sea.Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian Greeks.[6] The city has weathered multiple geologic catastrophes: it was almost completely destroyed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1169.[6] A major eruption and lava flow from nearby Mount Etna nearly swamped the city in 1669 and it suffered severe devastation from the 1693 Sicily earthquake.[6]
During the 14th century, and into the Renaissance period, Catania was one of Italy's most important cultural, artistic and political centres. It was the site of Sicily's first university, founded in 1434 It has been the native or adopted home of some of Italy's most famous artists and writers, including the composers Vincenzo Bellini and Giovanni Pacini, and the writers Giovanni Verga, Luigi Capuana, Federico De Roberto and Nino Martoglio.
Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial center of Sicily. Its airport, the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, is the largest in Southern Italy. However the central "old town" of Catania features exuberant late-baroque architecture, prompted after the 1693 earthquake, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CULTURE
Opera composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in Palazzo Gravina-Cruyllas in the city center, the palace now houses a museum about him. The Teatro Massimo "Vincenzo Bellini", which opened in 1890, presents a variety of works through a season, which run from December to May, including the works of its namesake.Giovanni Verga was born in Catania in 1840.[76] He became the greatest writer of Verismo, an Italian literary movement akin to Naturalism. His novels portray life among the lower levels of Sicilian society, such as fishermen and stonemasons, and were written in a mixture of both literary language and local dialect. Francesco Longo Mancini was a painter known for paintings of nudes who was born in Catania in 1880. The city's patron saint is Saint Agatha, who is celebrated with a religious pageantry, the Festival of Saint Agatha, on 5 February every year.
FOOD AND CUSINE
Food is an important part of Catania's culture and way of life. Local cuisine emphasizes several traits of Sicilian one, whilst developing some of its own.
Street food is one of the best ways to experience traditional dishes. Arancini are perhaps the city's most iconic one: they are stuffed rice balls coated in bread-crumbs and deep fried; in Catania, they are shaped like a cone to remind of Mount Etna. Typical specialties from the city include cipollina (puff pastry with onion, tomato and prosciutto filling), bolognese (a small pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, prosciutto and boiled egg and covered in puff pastry), crispelle (deep fried dough balls with ricotta or anchovies filling.)
During street-fairs and religious festivals, street stalls sell calia e simenza (toasted chickpeas and pumpkin seeds). Typical from old street markets are sangeli (cooked pork blood), quarumi (pork tripe), zuzzu (pork jelly), mauru (edible seaweed), and raw seafood. Horse meat is very traditional and it is sold in shops called arrusti e mancia ("roast it and eat it"), which roast the meat in streetside barbecues.[81]
Apart from street food, typical dishes from Catania are: pasta alla Norma (pasta with fried aubergine, tomato sauce and ricotta salata cheese), named after the namesake opera by Vincenzo Bellini; pasta cco niuru (pasta in cuttlefish ink), maccu (fava beans purée), bastaddi affucati or brocculi affucati (stewed cauliflower or broccoli), caponata (sautéed vegetables) and scacciata (a pie filled with tuma cheese) which is traditional during Christmastime.[82]
Catania is also famous for its pasticceria (pastries and cakes). Pastries vary according to season and to seasonal events: during the Festival of Saint Agatha, patron saint of the city, there are the cassatelle (small cassatas) and olivette (olive shaped almond paste). In Easter, there are aceddi ccu l’ovu (boiled eggs covered in biscuit). In summer there is granita. During the Festa dei morti (traditional celebrations in All Souls' Day) there are biscuits called ossa di mortu, rame di Napoli and nsuddi.
Drink kiosks are everywhere in town and serve soft drinks. Traditional soft drinks are made mixing fruit syrups with soda and other flavors such as anisette.
Local products include blood oranges, pistachios from Bronte, extra-virgin olive oil, cactus fruit, cherries, grapes from Mazzarrone, strawberries from Maletto, mushrooms, honey and wine
The main attraction of Aci Trezza, a small seaside resort, are the faraglioni or “Rocks of Cyclops”.
The Legend has it that theses 8 basalt rocks would have been thrown by Polypheme the giant from Etna on Ulysses to prevent him from fleeing the island.
The town itself isn’t anything special, but it’s good enough to enjoy the sea and sun with its many bars and restaurants.
315 místní doporučují
Aci Trezza
6 Via ProvincialeThe main attraction of Aci Trezza, a small seaside resort, are the faraglioni or “Rocks of Cyclops”.
The Legend has it that theses 8 basalt rocks would have been thrown by Polypheme the giant from Etna on Ulysses to prevent him from fleeing the island.
The town itself isn’t anything special, but it’s good enough to enjoy the sea and sun with its many bars and restaurants.
Taormina is for sure the most famous town next to Catania.
This beautiful small town offers great views over the sea and Etna volcano. If you want to enjoy the scenery, the best viewpoints are located at the piazza IX Aprile belvedere and at la Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, above Taormina.
During your visit, don’t forget to go to Taormina Greek Theater, one of the most well preserved in the world!
And if you want to take a dip, head to Isola Bella, a beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear waters.
931 místní doporučují
Taormina Shop
Taormina is for sure the most famous town next to Catania.
This beautiful small town offers great views over the sea and Etna volcano. If you want to enjoy the scenery, the best viewpoints are located at the piazza IX Aprile belvedere and at la Chiesa Madonna della Rocca, above Taormina.
During your visit, don’t forget to go to Taormina Greek Theater, one of the most well preserved in the world!
And if you want to take a dip, head to Isola Bella, a beautiful pebble beach with crystal clear waters.
During your trip to Sicily, you can also go to Syracuse, a nice town located south of Catania.
The city is especially renowned for its charming old town, Oritigia island, and for the Neapolis Archaeological park. It features a huge Greek Theater with a capacity of more than 20 000 people!
If you want more details about the best things to do in Syracuse, you should read my article: Visit Syracuse: the definitive guide.
510 místní doporučují
Syracuse
During your trip to Sicily, you can also go to Syracuse, a nice town located south of Catania.
The city is especially renowned for its charming old town, Oritigia island, and for the Neapolis Archaeological park. It features a huge Greek Theater with a capacity of more than 20 000 people!
If you want more details about the best things to do in Syracuse, you should read my article: Visit Syracuse: the definitive guide.
From Catania, you can also go to Agrigento Valley of the Temples.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this famous archaeological Site is a must-see during a trip to Sicily!
If you don’t have a car, there is even an organized day trip leaving from Catania. They will come pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you to the Valley of The Temple. A packed lunch made of Sicilian street food is also included.
After visiting the Valley, you will go eat your lunch at the famous Scala dei Turchi beach, where white limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. A magnificent natural site!
99 místní doporučují
Agrigento
From Catania, you can also go to Agrigento Valley of the Temples.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this famous archaeological Site is a must-see during a trip to Sicily!
If you don’t have a car, there is even an organized day trip leaving from Catania. They will come pick you up at your hotel in the morning and take you to the Valley of The Temple. A packed lunch made of Sicilian street food is also included.
After visiting the Valley, you will go eat your lunch at the famous Scala dei Turchi beach, where white limestone cliffs plunge into the sea. A magnificent natural site!
Noto
Ortigia
Marzamemi
Modica
Offerta gastronomica
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.
At the end of the road, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the silhouette of the famous volcano that many tourists from all over the world come to admire: the Etna.
While you’re here, you can do some shopping in Via Etnea’s many shops, or drink a coffee and enjoy a pastry!
At the southern end of Via Etnea, there is the Piazza dell’Universita.
This square is surrounded by two magnificent palaces facing each other: The Palazzo dell’Universita which houses the old university and the Palazzo San Giuliano. Both palaces have beautiful facades and nice inner courtyards, don’t hesitate to enter the university to admire them.
To see: The four lampposts, each symbolizing a mythical episode of Catania.
300 místní doporučují
Via Etnea
450 Via EtneaFrom 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.
At the end of the road, if the weather is clear, you will be able to see the silhouette of the famous volcano that many tourists from all over the world come to admire: the Etna.
While you’re here, you can do some shopping in Via Etnea’s many shops, or drink a coffee and enjoy a pastry!
At the southern end of Via Etnea, there is the Piazza dell’Universita.
This square is surrounded by two magnificent palaces facing each other: The Palazzo dell’Universita which houses the old university and the Palazzo San Giuliano. Both palaces have beautiful facades and nice inner courtyards, don’t hesitate to enter the university to admire them.
To see: The four lampposts, each symbolizing a mythical episode of Catania.
Buio is a beautiful bar in Catania where you can have a friendly drink and listen to some live music. It is always good here all year round, especially when it is hot and you stay on the street literally filling it. Even in summer it is great to come to Buio, which also organizes evenings on the beach.
Buio lgbt bar
20 Via Barone della BicoccaBuio is a beautiful bar in Catania where you can have a friendly drink and listen to some live music. It is always good here all year round, especially when it is hot and you stay on the street literally filling it. Even in summer it is great to come to Buio, which also organizes evenings on the beach.
Pamochã
46 Via GemmellaroVia Gemmellaro 46 – Catania
Tel: +39 3388158024
champagneria@pamocha.it
Jazz music, dim lighting and upcycled decor: welcome to the home of Me Cumpari Turiddu, filled with the authentic Sicilian flavours of days gone by. A journey into Sicily’s distant past, where you can relive and savour artisanal and Slow Food products. This is what the Me Cumpari Turiddu ‘restaurant/bistro/coffee shop/delicatessen store’, wants its guests to experience.
23 místní doporučují
Me Cumpari Turiddu
36 Piazza Turi FerroJazz music, dim lighting and upcycled decor: welcome to the home of Me Cumpari Turiddu, filled with the authentic Sicilian flavours of days gone by. A journey into Sicily’s distant past, where you can relive and savour artisanal and Slow Food products. This is what the Me Cumpari Turiddu ‘restaurant/bistro/coffee shop/delicatessen store’, wants its guests to experience.
Ristorante da Antonio
59 Via Castello UrsinoPasticceria Savia
2/4/6 Via Umberto IFud Bottega sicula
35 Via Santa FilomenaScirocco Sicilian Fish Lab
7 Piazza Alonzo di BenedettoSikulo Restaurant
83 Via Antonino di S. GiulianoScardaci Ice Cafè
158 Via EtneaAchille
734 Via PlebiscitoPasticceria Quaranta - Gelateria - Caffetteria
17 Piazza Mancini BattagliaClubbing and nightlife
MA Catania
6 Via VelaAFROBAR CATANIA
47 Viale KennedySince 2013, Gammazita has adopted the neighbourhood around Catania's Castello Ursino, transforming a part of Piazza Federico di Svevia into a free space, returned to the city, where art, culture, sociality and sharing are at home.
33 místní doporučují
Gammazita
92 Piazza Federico di SveviaSince 2013, Gammazita has adopted the neighbourhood around Catania's Castello Ursino, transforming a part of Piazza Federico di Svevia into a free space, returned to the city, where art, culture, sociality and sharing are at home.
BarnAut
27 Via AuteriPlace where you can find a good bier and live music
Doporučení související s městem
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Festival of Saint Agatha (Catania)
The Festival of Saint Agatha is the most important religious festival of Catania, Sicily, commemorating the life of the city's patron saint, Agatha of Sicily. It takes place annually from 3 to 5 February and on 17 August. The earlier dates commemorate the martyrdom of the Catanaian saint, while the latter date celebrates the return to Catania of her remains, after these had been transferred to Constantinople by the Byzantine general George Maniaces as war booty and remained there for 86 years.
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Catania Jazz Festival
The Catania Jazz Festival is a jazz festival in Catania, Sicily, Italy. An international festival, it has been held since 1983. Sometimes the festival is held at different locations over several months, providing an entire season of jazz performances.
Cestování s dětmi
Hortus Botanicus Catinensis
The Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania (16,000 m²), also known as the Hortus Botanicus Catinensis, is a botanical garden in Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. It is operated by the University of Catania botany department. This institution is a member of BGCI, with international identification code CAT