Catania sights and landmarks guide

Catania, Sights – General Presentation

Catania is located in Italy, on the east coast of Sicily, near the Ionian Sea. It is the second largest city of Sicily, being located at the foot of the active volcano Etna. Its position represents both an advantage and a great disadvantage for the Catanian population. Thus, the agriculture, especially the growth of vines is greatly developed due to the fact that the volcanic ashes have produced a fertile soil. On the other hand, the violent outbursts of the volcano have frequently destroyed a great part of the territory, which had to be rebuilt with the passage of time.

Catania, Sights – Places to Visit

If you feel tired after a long journey to get to Italy, you should begin your journey through Catania Sights with a shopping day. The best place where you can do this is on Via Etnea running north, from Piazza del Duomo. The area is always crowded, be it day or nights and besides the alluring churches and imposing buildings, you can find famous restaurants and cafes, offering a wide variety of Italian pasta and pizza. Once you get to Piazza del Duomo, it is impossible not to notice the Elephant Fountain, and you will soon find out that it is the symbol of the city, located right at the entrance of the shopping street.

Right next to this place the Norman Cathedral guards the surroundings, inviting all the tourists to take a look at its beautiful architecture. The real center is represented by Piazza Stesicoro, where you will be impressed by the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre. It is here where you can find the entrance to the main market, which is a lively and colorful place to visit. Just like any other Italian city, Catania brags itself with many Piazzas, one of which is also represented by Piazza Teatro, where the Catanian theatre is situated, an imposing building dating back from the 19th century.

Catania, Sights – Landmarks

You cannot possibly leave Catania Sights without having first visited and found out more about Catania’s best landmarks. Besides the Elephant Fountain and the frightening Mount Etna, which destroyed this amazing city many times, you shouldn’t miss La Plaja, a sand beach situated along the south coast of the bay. Another “must see” place is one of the 19th century kiosk, where you can enjoy a lemoncello in a hot summer day, feeling thus the real pulse of the region. The Baroque architecture will impress you with every piazza that you come across, telling you the story of a glorious past.

Once you feel there is nothing more left to be seen in Catania Sights, just take all your bags and continue your discovery of Italy, with Palermo Sights and Naples Sights.