Perched proper on the coast of Sicily, the Italian metropolis of Catania has so much going for it! With a historical past courting again hundreds of years, there are heaps of the most effective issues to do in Catania – each in and simply outdoors the town.
In a lot 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 nicely price 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 somewhat ‘tough across the edges’, it’s a metropolis that’s received a lot allure and the type of metropolis you simply should dive proper in.
To be sincere, the primary few hours after arriving in Catania had 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 will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Catania, I’m sharing a few of the spots we cherished most about our go to. Check out a few of the epic locations to go to in Catania. Have a tremendous journey travelling round Sicily.
1.) Go to Palazzo Biscari
The non-public palace of Biscari is one beautiful spot to see while visiting Catania. You see, approach again within the 1600s, the Prince of Biscari was given the proper to construct a stunning palace after a devastating earthquake.
These days, it nonetheless stands tall within the metropolis and is nicely price taking a guided tour to take a peek inside. Not solely is it one of many largest palaces within the metropolis, however in my view, it’s one of many grandest.
While on a guided tour, take a peek on the attractive courtyard earlier than heading to see the grand corridor, hand-painted frescos and essentially the most lovely staircase. Actually, this place is a gem to discover.
Now, I received’t spoil the shock by popping in a photograph of the interiors (it’s actually that attractive), so ensure to move over when you arrive in Sicily.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sicily
2.) Take a Journey to Castello Ursino
Constructed approach again within the 1200s, out of lava stone, visiting Castello Ursino is among 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 type of felt that Castello Ursino was extra spectacular from the skin (if I’m sincere). However don’t let that put you off heading inside – it’s price seeing the varied artworks, work and sculptures that now name the fort dwelling.
3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment may not appear to be an apparent selection for a spot to go to however belief me right here. If you wish to know extra concerning the historical past of Catania, you then’ll wish to come right here.
Now, guided excursions occur on most days they usually usually final round 75-minutes. Although, all the time verify the occasions they function and remember that if you would like an English tour, you then’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 of pop an electronic mail over to the group and safe your house.
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 price to have a nosey across the web site nevertheless it’s nicely price it.
With hundreds of years of historical past, it’s the type of place the place you’ll be able to study extra concerning the Roman empire and its constructing methods.
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-about a gateway to wider Sicily? Nicely, this is among the occasions when that rings true. Visiting Mount Etna is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Catania in case you’re searching 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 mountain climbing, be warned it’s a 3,300-meter hike and is fairly arduous. Additionally, don’t overlook that Mount Etna is among 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 approach again to the 1700s when it was constructed as a triumphal arch within the very centre of Catania. To at the present time, you’ll be able to stroll by 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 present, proper?
Anyway, it’s very easy to see and nicely price taking an in depth 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 as a consequence of tectonic exercise.
Afterwards, take a while to go to the markets and wander by the day by day stalls that line the streets previous Fontana dell’Amenano and round Porta Uzeda.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sicily
7.) Go to Catania Cathedral
Okay, so Catania Cathedral might be essentially the most lovely construction within the metropolis and one spot you received’t wish to miss.
Better of all, it’s situated 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, make sure to look out for the Norman apses that date again nearly 1000 years. Oh, and take a peek on the beautiful nave, too.
Completely free to enter, visiting is among the finest issues to do in Catania while you stroll across the metropolis.
Simply remember, there are companies that go on all year long right here. This implies you may rock up and discover the church closed to sightseers.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sicily
8.) Go to Giardini Bellini
The oldest of all of the parks in Catania, Giardini Bellini is nicely price going for a stroll on a heat day.
Not solely are the grounds completely attractive, however the backyard additionally has essentially 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 robust. Put on a hat and take sunblock with you – the Italian solar isn’t any joke!
Afterwards, take a stroll to Basilica della Collegiata and absorb one other one in every of Catania’s lovely 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 nicely price 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 unbelievable.
Sure, you’ll pay a small entry price to realize entry to Castello di Aci nevertheless it’s completely price 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 road meals, it’s received a couple of seats outdoors 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 among the finest issues to do in Catania. The truth is, it’s laborious to overlook if you’re within the historic centre.
Constructed nearly 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 among the protectors of Catania – from the brut drive of an erupting Mount Etna.
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