Perched proper on the coast of Sicily, the Italian metropolis of Catania has so much going for it! With a historical past courting again 1000’s of years, there are heaps of the most effective issues to do in Catania – each in and simply exterior the town.
In a number of methods, us included, Catania is seen as a gateway metropolis to all the opposite finest locations in Sicily to go to. That being mentioned, it’s effectively value visiting in its personal proper – even when that’s a part of a wider go to to Sicily.
Now, though Catania can appear to be just a little ‘tough across the edges’, it’s a metropolis that’s acquired a lot allure and the sort of metropolis you simply should dive proper in.
To be trustworthy, the primary few hours after arriving in Catania have been a blur of sensory overload – it’s a bustling metropolis, however that’s all a part of the allure and completely distinctive.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Catania, I’m sharing a number of the spots we cherished most about our go to. Check out a number of the epic locations to go to in Catania. Have an incredible journey travelling round Sicily.
1.) Go to Palazzo Biscari
The personal palace of Biscari is one gorgeous spot to see while visiting Catania. You see, method again within the 1600s, the Prince of Biscari was given the correct to construct a stunning palace after a devastating earthquake.
These days, it nonetheless stands tall within the metropolis and is effectively value taking a guided tour to take a peek inside. Not solely is it one of many largest palaces within the metropolis, however for my part, it’s one of many grandest.
While on a guided tour, take a peek on the beautiful courtyard earlier than heading to see the grand corridor, hand-painted frescos and probably the most stunning staircase. Actually, this place is a gem to discover.
Now, I gained’t spoil the shock by popping in a photograph of the interiors (it’s actually that beautiful), so make certain to move over when you arrive in Sicily.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sicily
2.) Take a Journey to Castello Ursino
Constructed method again within the 1200s, out of lava stone, visiting Castello Ursino is likely one of the finest issues to do in Catania if you wish to discover the town’s lengthy historical past.
Sure, it may not be a baroque constructing that’s so well-known in Sicily, however Castello Ursino pre-dates these designs and homes a lot to see. It actually dates again to the center ages.
Now, I sort of felt that Castello Ursino was extra spectacular from the surface (if I’m trustworthy). However don’t let that put you off heading inside – it’s value seeing the varied artworks, work and sculptures that now name the fortress dwelling.
3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment may not seem to be an apparent alternative for a spot to go to however belief me right here. If you wish to know extra concerning the historical past of Catania, then you definately’ll wish to come right here.
Now, guided excursions occur on most days they usually sometimes final round 75-minutes. Although, all the time test the occasions they function and bear in mind that if you’d like an English tour, then you definately’ll wish to go to at round 1 pm.
Lastly, to e-book a tour, head to their web site the place you’ll be capable to pop an electronic mail over to the workforce and safe your home.
4.) See the Greek-Roman Theatre(s)
Constructed out of rocks supplied by the close by Mount Etna, the Roman Theater of Catania is one epic a part of the town to see while strolling round.
Sure, you will have to pay a small entrance charge to have a nosey across the web site nevertheless it’s effectively value it.
With 1000’s of years of historical past, it’s the sort of place the place you possibly can study extra concerning the Roman empire and its constructing strategies.
Visits will solely final round 25-minutes and it’s very easy to squeeze into a visit.
5.) Make a journey to Mount Etna
Yeah, I do know, Mount Etna isn’t Catania – however hear me out!
Keep in mind I discussed that Cantania is typically thought of a gateway to wider Sicily? Nicely, this is likely one of the occasions when that rings true. Visiting Mount Etna is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Catania in case you’re on the lookout for a day journey away from the bustling streets.
Now, top-of-the-line methods we discovered to do that is by reserving this Mount Etna tour that departs from Catania itself. Not solely will you get picked up from Catania, however you’ll head excessive up, close to the summit of Mount Etna in a 4×4 or small bus – all with a certified information.
Better of all, this Mount Etna tour will present a tipple of native wines from the area, too. In any case, the terroir is so good round right here.
That being mentioned, in case you fancy mountaineering, be warned it’s a 3,300-meter hike and is fairly arduous. Additionally, don’t overlook that Mount Etna is likely one of the most energetic volcanoes in Europe – so all the time go along with a information.
6.) See the Gates of Porta Garibaldi
Porta Garibaldi dates method again to the 1700s when it was constructed as a triumphal arch within the very centre of Catania. To at the present time, you possibly can stroll by means of the gates and witness top-of-the-line celebratory gates in Italy.
You see, Porta Garibaldi was constructed to rejoice the wedding of the Bourbon king and royalty from Austria. I imply, that’s some marriage ceremony reward, proper?
Anyway, it’s very easy to see and effectively value taking a detailed gander on the statues and artistry on the gate itself. I don’t perceive Latin however somebody did say that there’s a quote round Catania rising up. Apparently, it’s in connection to the fixed rebuilding of Cantania on account of tectonic exercise.
Afterwards, take a while to go to the markets and wander by means of the day by day stalls that line the streets previous Fontana dell’Amenano and round Porta Uzeda.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sicily
7.) Go to Catania Cathedral
Okay, so Catania Cathedral might be probably the most stunning construction within the metropolis and one spot you gained’t wish to miss.
Better of all, it’s positioned proper within the historic centre of Catania, making it very easy to go to on most days of the week. As soon as right here, you’ll want to look out for the Norman apses that date again virtually 1000 years. Oh, and take a peek on the gorgeous nave, too.
Completely free to enter, visiting is likely one of the finest issues to do in Catania while you stroll across the metropolis.
Simply bear in mind, there are providers that go on all year long right here. This implies you would possibly rock up and discover the church closed to sightseers.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sicily
8.) Go to Giardini Bellini
The oldest of all of the parks in Catania, Giardini Bellini is effectively value going for a stroll on a heat day.
Not solely are the grounds completely beautiful, however the backyard additionally has probably the most ornate stone flooring to the upper factors. It’s so intricate and it’s all the time caught in my reminiscence.
One factor to recollect is Catania can get very popular and that the Sicilian solar is powerful. Put on a hat and take sunblock with you – the Italian solar is not any joke!
Afterwards, take a stroll to Basilica della Collegiata and soak up one other one among Catania’s stunning church buildings to see.
9.) Head over to Castello di Aci
Not too far-off from the centre of Catania is Castello di Aci. It’s a couple of 15-minute drive and effectively value visiting for its lengthy historical past.
Now, Castello di Aci sits on a fairly dramatic cliffside that overlooks the seas surrounding Sicily itself. The views are unimaginable.
Sure, you’ll pay a small entry charge to achieve entry to Castello di Aci nevertheless it’s completely value it. As soon as inside, you’ll get to wander across the small museum and take a look at the grounds themselves. We cherished it.
Afterwards, hop on again to the centre of Catania and take a look at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.
We had the most effective calamari and native fried fish. Served as avenue meals, it’s acquired a couple of seats exterior and all are served in a paper cone. It was all so good.
10.) Spot the Fountain of the Elephant
The image of the town, seeing the Fountain of the Elephant is likely one of the finest issues to do in Catania. Actually, it’s laborious to overlook once you’re within the historic centre.
Constructed virtually 300 years in the past, it was created by the famend Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. To at the present time, it’s mentioned that the Fountain of the Elephant is likely one of the protectors of Catania – from the brut drive of an erupting Mount Etna.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Sicily
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