Introduction

Catania mingles modernity, excellent restaurants, precious accommodation, renewal, a stunning fish market of almost unknown varieties of sea life and great architecture.
Catania was born Katane in the 8th century BC. It fought over power against Syracuse for 3 centuries and was badly destroyed by the Romans in the 3rd century BC Then the Byzantines, the Saracens and the Normans succeeded in their power. In the 1600s Catania was already a thriving trading centre with relations with all the towns on the island.
First Mount Etna erupted in 1669 taking 12,00 lives and destructing the fertile lands, and then the earthquake at the end of the 17th century was the coup de grace.
One year later the plans for reconstructing the town were began. It had a different organization to let people abandon the city in an easier way in case there was another eruption. The style that spread at the time was baroque and it was the style that the town was rebuilt in.
After thorough and recent refurbishing the town enjoys all the splendour it had centuries ago.

What to See and Do

Shopping is mostly done around Via Pacini and Via Umberto I.
You will find the majority of the must-visits of Catania located near and to the west of Piazza del Duomo, which could not but be included on the World Heritage List. The piazza is lorded over by baroque buildings which account for its inclusion on the World Heritage List. The buildings are characterized by lava and limestone. The piazza is enthroned by the Fontana dell’Elefante created in 1736. The fountain is a weird combination of an elephant of the Roman times that was the magician Eliodorus ‘ and an Egyptian obelisk. The elephant is Catania’s symbol and it is said to protect Catania from the looming Etna.
The Cathedral of Saint Agata is also believed to protect Catania from Mt Etna. It is located looking over the fountain. The most striking features of the cathedral are its marble façade, with the towers brought from the Roman amphitheatre, the body of Sant’Agata, the patron saint of Catania, and the effigy representing her which is full of jewels. This effigy is essential at the fiesta celebrated in her honour at the beginning of February.
Also in the square is the picturesque La Pescheria (fish market) and the neighbouring food market. The sight is not to be missed. The food market is marked by the Fountain of the Amenano, created by Tito Angelini, in honour of the river whose banks were foundation site of Catania.
From the Piazza del Duomo, head northeast to get to Piazza Bellini and the Teatro Massimo Bellini, both in honour of Bellini, son of Catania and creator of modern bel canto. The theatre is a luxurious large building which is among the biggest throughout the continent.
Nearby on Viale Africa you get to Le Ciminiere, the refurbished sulphur refinery housing at present a cultural centre. Lapis Leaflet available at the tourist information office can inform you on all activities in it. The collection includes pieces of modern art and a permanent exhibition of WWII memorabilia, art and photography.
Starting again at Piazza del Duomo, go past Porta Uzeda erected in 1696 towards Piazza Federico di Svevia. Here is the Castello Ursino which originally was located on a cliff and protected with a mot. After the earthquake and lava covereing Catania the geography changed completely. Today it houses artefacts from the Monastery of San Nicolò and Roman artefacts in the Museo Civico.
To the west of Piazza del Duomo you will find Via Crociferi.
The Museo Belliniano, housed where Bellini used to live, is on Piazza San Francesco. It keeps some of his scores, photographs and his death mask. Chiesa di San Francesco fronts the museum. Off is the Arco di San Benedetto constructed at the beginning of the 18th century… in one night¡¡¡ as to legends go. Walk past the arch and you will find the 18th century Chiesa di San Benedetto sporting fabulous stucco and marble work. Walk past the church and near Via Crociferi are the vestiges of the Roman Theatre and the Odeon, a theatre where only rehearsals take place.
Go back to Via Crociferi to check out the curved façade of the Chiesa di San Giuliano and the excavations to have a look onto the old Roman road and floor mosaics that have been unearthed.
From Chiesa di San Giuliano go along Via Gesuiti which takes you to Piazza Dante and Chiesa di San Nicolò all’Arena, the biggest Sicilian church. This incomplete church is 105 m long x 48 m wide and has a cupola which reaches 62 m high. Its construction began in 1687 and was started again after being interrupted by the earthquake. It features an unattractive façade compared with the other buildings in town. The organ in the presbytery was created by Donato del Piano. Its monastery is located behind the church. This enormous building houses today part of the university and is the second in size in the continent. Its cloisters and priceless library with 18th century majolica flooring are some beauties to notice.
From Piazza del Duomo heading south and reaching the foot of Mount Etna sweeps Via Etnea, an important thoroughfare. It is lined with shops and cafes. Along it when you reach Piazza dell’Università are the Palazzo dell’Università (housing the university) and Palazzo San Giuliano.
Piazza Stesicoro is a modern square having the vestiges of the Roman amphitheatre on one side. It was the second biggest after the colosseum in Rome in the 2nd century. Only by a diagram you may envisage how big it was. From the streets you may view the structure.
Off Piazza Stesicoro is Chiesa di Sant’Agata al Carcere where you can still see the dungeons where she suffered her martyrdom.
Further along Via Etnea find Villa Bellini with its ravishing gardens.
Classical music followers can enjoy the Catania Musica Estate in July and jazz enthusiasts relish the Etna Jazz in July. And in the same month the Settimana Barocca with baroque concerts and more public presentations.
From the 3rd to 5th February the Festa de Saint Agata is celebrated with displays of fireworks, and an effigy is taken along the streets to commemorate the day of their patron saint.
Nightlife in Catania has many options to choose from, a fact which is connected to it being a university town and lots of young people living in it.
Tertulia (Via Mario Rapisardi) is a bookshop-café with live music and literary gatherings.
Agora Bar set in a cavern where there was a Roman bath which with centuries elapsing turned into a fabulous attractive bar.
Perbacco¡ Wine Bar (Via Vasta) draws people who sit on sofas and cushions under the canopy until the small hours.
Completely different, calm and relaxed, at Lino’s coffee shop you can choose from its extensive list of coffees or any other drink while you read a book.
Wine bar (Via Montesano) offers an endless list of Sicilian and international labels and snacks.
On Via Teatro Massimo at Rendez Vous Wine Bar you may sit on the balcony or onto the street, always in its stylish setting.
L’Insomnia, opposite Rendez Vous, is for those who like staying till the sun almost goes up.
Heaven, on the same street, serves drinks by the sound of disco music.
L’Incognit, unlike all others, makes you travel to a tropical atmosphere with its décor. It is on Piazza Bellini.
Over Time Pub (Via Rapisardi) is prefect for drinking while you play a poker game at its tables.
Stag’s head is also on Via rapisardi opposite oOer Time Pub. It fills with students and loud music.
Nievski Pub (Scalinata Alessi) is the gathering point of the alternative trend followers. It serves Cuban and Greek dishes prepared with organic produce.
For Irish ambience head for Joyce, on Via Montesano, famed and quite tranquil, and Waxy O’Connors (opposite Joyce), for live music and some dance.
For drinks and jazz head for Ixtlan (Via Teatro Massimo).
Students flock to Mercati Generali, which is not in town. International famed DJs have made the crowds dance here.