The second biggest city, in Sicily, is Catania. The city is geographically positioned near Etna – the largest active volcano in Europe. Catania is also a port city, and has the busiest airport in Sicily. Multiple times, friends came to visit, therefore I needed to show them all the gems of this city. These are the places where I typically take visitors on a Catania day trip (itinerary map at the end of this article).
Beginning of the itinerary: Piazza Duomo
For starters, let’s learn two main Italian words that will help to understand directions in their original language. You might already know them but here it is: via – a street, piazza – a square. This is it. Simple.
Most probably you will start your self-guided walking tour in the Piazza Duomo (en. Cathedral square) since it is the heart of the city. Besides, right behind the Uzeda gates, in Piazza Borselino, there is the main bus parking lot that is a good reference point.
In the Piazza Duomo, you will find 4 main buildings: two of them belong to the city hall. The third building houses a coffee shop, pharmacy, kiosk, and souvenir shop. The fourth building is the Saint Agatha cathedral itself (free entrance). In the center of this square, you will see a fountain with an elephant that is considered the main symbol of Catania.
From Piazza Duomo to Teatro Massimo Bellini
After spending some time in the main square, turn right to Via Vittorio Emanuele. Usually, people pass by even without noticing the Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata. It’s quite understandable since it’s not as impressive church as the main cathedral. The main reason to visit this place is the possibility to climb on the rooftop of this church (3 eur per person) and admire the beautiful panoramic view of the old town.
Later on, continue on the same Via Vittorio Emanuele and make a left turn to Via Landolina. At the end of this street, you will arrive at another beautiful square with its main landmark – Massimo Bellini theater that started building in 1812 and is an excellent example of Sicilian Baroque style. Guided tours in the interior of this theater are also available.
From Teatro Massimo Bellini to Piazza Stesicoro
From the theater continue to Via Antonino Di Sangiuliano, turn left and you will arrive at the so-called “quattro canti” (en. four points) which is an intersection with the main Via Etnea. This street is the main shopping street in Catania and stretches all the way from Piazza Duomo up north for more than 3 kilometers! At this intersection, you will see an amazing sweets place called “C&G – Cioccolato e Gelato”. Highly recommended to stop by there and get a monoporzione – a mini cake.
Continue up north Via Etnea until you will reach another square – Piazza Stesicoro. In the center of this square, there is a statue of composer Vincenzo Bellini (the steps of the sculpture actually represent piano keys). On the left side, you will see the ruins of the Roman amphitheater. If you will be lucky, it even might be open and you could walk inside for free.
From Piazza Stesicoro to Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena
This monastery is the most beautiful building complex in Catania. Moreover, it is also the second biggest Benedictine monastery in Europe, started in the 16th century. Currently, the whole complex is donated to the University of Catania.
The Church of the Nicolò l’Arena belongs to this building complex and it can be visited for free. To be honest, this church is mostly empty but it amazes with its size. Additionally for 3 euros fee, you can visit the church’s eaves. The monastery can be visited with a guided tour or you can explore it on your own. Since it belongs to the university, it is always busy and full of life.
From monastery to the Via Crociferi
After visiting the monastery, go down the hill on Via Quartarone until you reach an intersection with the familiar Via Vittorio Emanuele (this time you will be on the west side) and turn left there. Continue straight until you reach the Roman theater. For 6 euros, you can visit the interior. Definitely worth it, especially because it is blocked by buildings and you won’t see it from the street side.
After exploring this theater, continue on this street until you reach Via Crociferi on your left. This is a short street with a high density of churches. If you will decide to walk all the way, at the end of it you will reach Villa Cerami. This villa hosts the department of law of the University of Catania.
From the Via Crociferi to the Piazza Federico di Svevia
It doesn’t matter if you explored the whole Via Crociferi, or just a part of it: you will still need to go back to Via Vittorio Emanuele and from there, turn right to Via Auteri. It is a particular street since it hosts a lot of stores that sell coffins and others with funeral related things. At the end of this street, you will see a huge castle – Castello Ursino.
This castle was build in the 13th century as a royal castle of the Kingdom of Sicily. Now it is a museum that hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions. I would claim that the exterior of this castle is much more impressive than the interior. Around this castle, there are multiple traditional Sicilian restaurants (Borgo di Federico, Camelot, Cavalier Roxy, Artù) that serve horse meat. If you want to try this Sicilian specialty, this is the best place to do so.
From Castello Ursino back to the Piazza Duomo
To go back to Piazza Duomo take the narrow Via Bozomo, and you will see two interesting things on the way. First of all, there is a restaurant in the Piazza Currò called „A Putia Dell’Ostello“. Not everyone knows that in the basement of this restaurant there is an underground river that can be seen just for 1 euro. Just ask any staff member that you want to see the river and someone will take you there.
The second thing you will see (or rather first you will smell it) it’s the famous fish market. In fact, depending on which time of the day you will explore the city. If it will be a late afternoon you might find just fish scales in that place. The earlier you get there, the bigger variety of seafood you will see. Besides, the true Sicilian temperament reveals in open markets.
The last thing right next to the fish market is a fountain called Fontana dell’Amenano. When you hear it then you know that you came back to the main Cathedral square. Fun fact: this fountain is called „acqua a linzolu“ by the locals. „Linzolu“ in Sicilian means „bed sheet“. The water from a fountain goes with a smooth current that is reminiscent of a sheet.
From the Piazza Duomo to Piazza Università
Congratulations: you made an almost 4 km circle and reached your starting point. But there is one last thing to visit. Just a minute away from the main square is Piazza Università. As its name states, the beautiful buildings belong to the University of Catania. In the alley between these two squares, there is a hostel called „Ostello degli Elefanti“. Try to call them directly and ask if they have any free spots on their rooftop terrace. But the best thing would be to book it in advance and admire two of the most beautiful squares of Catania from above.
Bonus places
These are some places not included in the main itinerary but if you have some extra time and energy you can visit them as well:
Porta Garibaldi: 1.2 km away from the Cathedral square there is a massive gate build in 1768 to celebrate the marriage of the ruler of the Two Sicilies Ferdinand (this is why this gate is also called Porta Ferdinandea). It’s in Baroque style and black stone from Etna volcano was used for the construction. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture but keep in mind that there is nothing else around it.
Giardino Bellini: If you’re into gardens, greenery, or jogging, you should visit this place. It’s near the Via Etnea.
San Berillo district: Once it was not a very safe place in Catania. Now it is a small peaceful neighborhood not far from Bellini theater.
Palazzo Biscari: This an incredibly beautiful palace not far away from the main square. The issue is, that since it is private property, visiting can be arranged just in advance. But you can try your luck.
Spinella, Savia, and Prestipino are awesome places to try Italian coffee, granita, arancini, cannoli, and other Sicilian delicacies. The best thing is that they are open continuously.
Aci Castello and Aci Trezza: These two coastal towns are really famous among tourists as well as locals. Besides, there is an open to public Norman castle in Aci Castello. Take bus #534 from the Piazza Borselino and it will take you straight there.
Catania in one day in a nutshell
This is the list of the main Catania sightseeing locations:
- Piazza Duomo
- Piazza Universita
- Teatro Massimo Bellini
- Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata
- Via Etnea
- Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l’Arena
- Via Crociferi
- Piazza Federico di Svevia (Castello Ursino)
- Fish market
