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 very best issues to do in Catania – each in and simply outdoors 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 properly 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 a bit of ‘tough across the edges’, it’s a metropolis that’s received a lot attraction and the sort of metropolis you simply need to 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 attraction 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 liked 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, means again within the 1600s, the Prince of Biscari was given the precise to construct a beautiful palace after a devastating earthquake.
These days, it nonetheless stands tall within the metropolis and is properly 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 beautiful courtyard earlier than heading to see the grand corridor, hand-painted frescos and essentially the most lovely staircase. Truthfully, 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 beautiful), so ensure that to go over when you arrive in Sicily.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Sicily
2.) Take a Journey to Castello Ursino
Constructed means 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 won’t 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 price seeing the varied artworks, work and sculptures that now name the citadel house.
3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment won’t look like an apparent alternative for a spot to go to however belief me right here. If you wish to know extra in regards to the historical past of Catania, then you definately’ll need to come right here.
Now, guided excursions occur on most days and so they usually final round 75-minutes. Although, all the time verify the occasions they function and bear in mind that if you need an English tour, then you definately’ll need to go to at round 1 pm.
Lastly, to ebook a tour, head to their web site the place you’ll be capable to pop an electronic mail over to the staff and safe your home.
4.) See the Greek-Roman Theatre(s)
Constructed out of rocks offered 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 have to to pay a small entrance payment to have a nosey across the web site but it surely’s properly price it.
With 1000’s of years of historical past, it’s the sort of place the place you may study extra in regards to 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!
Bear in mind I discussed that Cantania is typically thought of a gateway to wider Sicily? Properly, this is among the occasions when that rings true. Visiting Mount Etna is definitely probably the greatest issues to do in Catania in the event you’re searching for a day journey away from the bustling streets.
Now, probably the greatest 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 professional 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 the event you fancy mountaineering, be warned it’s a 3,300-meter hike and is fairly arduous. Additionally, don’t neglect 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 means again to the 1700s when it was constructed as a triumphal arch within the very centre of Catania. To this present day, you may stroll by way of the gates and witness probably the greatest celebratory gates in Italy.
You see, Porta Garibaldi was constructed to have fun 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 properly 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 resulting from tectonic exercise.
Afterwards, take a while to go to the markets and wander by way of 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 need 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, be sure you look out for the Norman apses that date again virtually 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 bear in mind, there are providers 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 properly price going for a stroll on a heat day.
Not solely are the grounds completely beautiful, 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 extremely popular and that the Sicilian solar is robust. 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 certainly one 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 few 15-minute drive and properly 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 payment to realize entry to Castello di Aci but it surely’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 liked it.
Afterwards, hop on again to the centre of Catania and take a look at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.
We had the very best calamari and native fried fish. Served as road meals, it’s received just a few 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. In reality, it’s exhausting to overlook if you’re within the historic centre.
Constructed virtually 300 years in the past, it was created by the famend Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. To this present day, 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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