Things to do in Catania

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Catania

Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata is the main cathedral of Catania. Originally built in the 11th century, its apse still retains its Norman structure, while the main part of the current cathedral was rebuilt in the 18th century. It is a Baroque-style building constructed from black volcanic rock from Mt Etna and white limestone from Syracuse, with a bust of Saint Agatha carved on the facade. It is the third-largest cathedral in Italy. Saint Agatha is the patron saint of Catania, and the Feast of Saint Agatha on February 5 each year is a grand festival in Catania. In the middle of the square is the famous Fountain of the Elephant, which is also a well-known monument in Catania and a symbol of the city. The obelisk is believed to have the power to control Mt Etna.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Catania

Fountain of the Elephant

Fountain of the Elephant is located inPiazza del Duomoand is the symbol of Catania. The main statue of the Fountain of the Elephant is an elephant carved from black volcanic rock, with an Egyptian obelisk on top. Legend has it that the elephant was the pet of the 8th-century sorcerer Eli Odorus, and the obelisk possesses the magic to control the eruptions of Mt Etna.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Catania

Piazza del Duomo

Piazza del Duomo is located in the city center, and Italy's third-largest Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata is situated here. The Fountain of the Elephant in the center of the square is an iconic monument of Catania, and it is said that the obelisk on the elephant's back has the power to control Mt Etna.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Catania

Giardino Bellini - Villa Bellini

Giardino Bellini - Villa BelliniLocated in Catania, Italy, this typical garden-style villa boasts beautiful surroundings and lush greenery, where visitors can enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

Ursino Castle

Ursino Castle was built from 1239–1250. This square castle is quite majestic. The castle houses a museum that displays the fine collections of the Biscari family.

Greek - Roman Theatre

Alexandria Ancient Roman Theater is a treasure of ancient European civilization, characterized by its semicircular tiered stone structure. Visitors can observe the arches, carved decorations, and drainage systems up close to experience the ingenuity and magnificence of ancient Roman architecture. Since the theater's stone steps are quite hard, we recommend that visitors wear sneakers with cushioning. If visiting in summer, we recommend bringing a sun hat. In winter, please dress warmly to protect against the wind. Dining options are mainly concentrated in the historic district, and there are usually no convenience stores inside the theater.

Piazza Universita

Castle of Aci

Massimo Bellini Theater

Located in Piazza Bellini not far from the center of Catania, it is a brown-red Baroque building. It is an opera house named after the famous composer Bellini from Catania. The opera premiered on May 31, 1890, with Bellini's own famous opera, Norma. The Opera House has 1,200 seats, and now there are often opera performances.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Province of Messina

Mt Etna

Mount Etna is located on the east coast of Sicily and is the highest active volcano in Europe, with an altitude of more than 3,200 meters. This is also the most frequently erupted volcano in the world, with more than 200 smaller volcanic cones around it, and during periods of intense activity, a large amount of lava often flows out. Tourists can take the ropeway cable car, and then transfer to the special sightseeing bus for mountaineering to arrive near the crater, and watch the lava flow and hot spring waterfall, as well as the unique landscape of the black volcanic heap. In summer, there are also outdoor activities such as volcano trekking groups, and the scenery at the top at sunset is particularly beautiful. If you are interested and have time, you can sign up. In winter, it turns into a ski area.