Catania’s past is reflected not only in its surviving buildings: over the centuries, lava flows from Mount Etna have repeatedly covered traces of the city’s history, leaving artifacts hidden beneath the city. At the same time, Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Saint Agatha are considered the Baroque heart of the city at the foot of Mount Etna. In Catania, the visible history of its architecture meets the hidden traces of earlier times.
Catania is one of eight urban components of the UNESCO World Heritage property “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.” In Catania, the World Heritage property covers specific areas of the city, not the entire historic center. The historic Monastery of San Benedetto on Via Crociferi is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Catania. It can be visited on a guided tour; check in advance when tours are available for your travel dates.
Baroque buildings and monastic worlds
Palazzo Biscari is considered a symbol of Catania’s Baroque architecture. Its Rococo hall is especially rich in detail, with decorations combining mirrors, stucco and frescoes. Visits are possible by prior booking. A descendant of the princely family tells visitors about the Palazzo’s past and family stories. Since booking options may change, it is advisable to check visit arrangements in advance.
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena offers a different architectural perspective: it is an example of late Baroque Sicilian architecture and one of the largest Benedictine complexes in Europe. The monastery includes a Roman domus, cloisters and a hanging garden. The daily designated route is open to everyone. Guided tours of the Benedictine monastery are also offered in Italian and English; check the latest access and language information before your visit.
Ancient buildings that carry history forward
Catania’s ancient theater was built in the 1st century AD over an existing Greek structure. Performances return there during the summer months, once again putting the site to use as a stage. If you would like to attend a performance, check the program for your travel dates.
Another archaeological perspective is offered by the excavated area of the Roman amphitheater, which is open to the public. 3D reconstructions show what the building may originally have looked like. They complement the view of the surviving remains with a possible impression of its former appearance. Since access information may change, you should check it before your visit.
Markets, kiosks and traditions of Saint Agatha
Catania’s fish market is located in a tunnel in the former city wall, built under Charles V. The market is also considered a place to experience Sicilian street food culture. The kiosks have their own drink tradition, too: their drinks are made, among other things, with mineral water from the slopes of Mount Etna, syrups and soda. Syrups made from Sicilian citrus fruits are also often used. Another longstanding kiosk tradition is “acqua e zammù”: water with a few drops of anise extract, once offered to passersby at traditional kiosks.
Celebrations in honor of Saint Agatha reach their peak on February 3, 4 and 5. During the procession, the route passes sites of her martyrdom and follows the city’s oldest streets. Devotees carry richly decorated, monumental candleholders known as “Candelore.” Catania’s pastry shops also offer sweets associated with the tradition: “Cassateddi di Sant’Aita,” also known as “Minni di Sant’Aita,” and “Olivette.” They are available seasonally; check the current program if you are visiting for the celebrations.
A look at the wider region
In the wider region around Catania, trails in Mount Etna Park run mostly across recent and historic lava flows, through wooded and treeless areas, and over land that has been farmed for many years. This offers a different way to explore the area than Catania’s architectural and urban history: here, volcanic landscapes and different forms of land use shape the trails described. The status of individual trails may change, so it is worth checking the conditions for the specific route.
Practical information for getting there
An AMTS Catania bus connects Catania-Fontanarossa Airport’s train station with the airport terminal. Transport regulations and fares may change; check the connection and fares before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Aci Trezza, Acireale, Catania, Giarre, Linguaglossa, Nicolosi, Nunziata, Piedimonte Etneo, Randazzo, Riposto, San Giovanni Montebello, San Pietro Clarenza, Sant'alfio, Zafferana Etnea, Viagrande, Fiumefreddo Di Sicilia, Ragalna, Mascali, Milo, Trecastagni, San Giovanni La Punta, Pedara, Misterbianco, Castiglione Di Sicilia, Canalicchio, Caltagirone, Calatabiano, Aci Castello, Santa Tecla, San Michele Di Ganzaria, Monterosso, Santa Venerina, Paternò, San Cono, Carruba, Aci Catena, Fondachello, Mascalucia, Aci Sant'antonio, Santa Maria Di Licodia, San Gregorio Di Catania, Aci Bonaccorsi, Bronte, Biancavilla, San Leonardello, Pozzillo, Torre Archirafi, Motta Sant'anastasia, Ramacca, Valverde, Belpasso, Vizzini, Tremestieri Etneo, Vaccarizzo-Delfino, Mineo, Grammichele, Puntalazzo, Sant'agata Li Battiati, Passopisciaro, Adrano, Montelaguardia, Scordia, Linera, Calcerana-Marina, Militello In Val Di Catania, Castel Di Judica, Petrosino, Mirabella Imbaccari, Santo Pietro, Presa, Licodia Eubea, Gravina di Catania, Montargano, Santa Venera-portosalvo, San Giorgio, Maletto, Carlentini, Pasteria-Lapide
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