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Perched proper on the coast of Sicily, the Italian metropolis of Catania has lots going for it! With a historical past courting again hundreds of years, there are heaps of the perfect issues to do in Catania – each in and simply outdoors the town.
In plenty of methods, us included, Catania is seen as a gateway metropolis to all the opposite greatest locations in Sicily to go to. That being stated, it’s properly 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 a bit of ‘rough around the edges’, it’s a metropolis that’s received a lot appeal and the type of metropolis you simply must dive proper in.
To be trustworthy, 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 appeal and completely distinctive.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Catania, I’m sharing a number of the spots we beloved most about our go to. Take a have a look at a number of the epic locations to go to in Catania. Have a tremendous journey travelling round Sicily.
1.) Visit 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 fitting to construct a beautiful palace after a devastating earthquake.
Nowadays, it nonetheless stands tall within the metropolis and is properly value 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.
Whilst 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. Honestly, 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 sure that to move over when you arrive in Sicily.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Sicily
2.) Take a Trip to Castello Ursino
Built method again within the 1200s, out of lava stone, visiting Castello Ursino is among the greatest issues to do in Catania if you wish to discover the town’s lengthy historical past.
Yes, 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 type of felt that Castello Ursino was extra spectacular from the surface (if I’m trustworthy). But don’t let that put you off heading inside – it’s value seeing the varied artworks, work and sculptures that now name the fortress house.
3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena
The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena won’t appear to be an apparent alternative for a spot to go to however belief me right here. If you need to know extra concerning the historical past of Catania, then you definitely’ll need to come right here.
Now, guided excursions occur on most days they usually sometimes final round 75-minutes. Though, at all times examine the instances they function and remember that if you would like an English tour, then you definitely’ll need to go to at round 1 pm.
Finally, to guide 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.
Yes, you’ll need to pay a small entrance price to have a nosey across the web site but it surely’s properly value it.
With hundreds of years of historical past, it’s the type 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.) Take a visit to Mount Etna
Yeah, I do know, Mount Etna isn’t Catania – however hear me out!
Remember I discussed that Cantania is usually thought-about a gateway to wider Sicily? Well, this is among the instances when that rings true. Visiting Mount Etna is definitely 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 professional information.
Best of all, this Mount Etna tour will present a tipple of native wines from the area, too. After all, the terroir is so good round right here.
That being stated, in case you fancy mountaineering, be warned it’s a 3,300-meter hike and is fairly arduous. Also, don’t neglect that Mount Etna is among the most energetic volcanoes in Europe – so at all times go together 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 today, you possibly can stroll via the gates and witness top-of-the-line 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 value 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 via the day by day stalls that line the streets previous Fontana dell’Amenano and round Porta Uzeda.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Sicily
7.) Visit Catania Cathedral
Okay, so Catania Cathedral might be probably the most stunning construction within the metropolis and one spot you gained’t need to miss.
Best 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. Once right here, you should definitely look out for the Norman apses that date again nearly 1000 years. Oh, and take a peek on the gorgeous nave, too.
Totally free to enter, visiting is among the greatest issues to do in Catania while you stroll across the metropolis.
Just remember, there are companies that go on all year long right here. This means you would possibly rock up and discover the church closed to sightseers.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Sicily
8.) Go to Giardini Bellini
The oldest of all of the parks in Catania, Giardini Bellini is properly 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 at all times caught in my reminiscence.
One factor to recollect is Catania can get highly regarded and that the Sicilian solar is robust. Wear a hat and take sunblock with you – the Italian solar is not any joke!
Afterwards, take a stroll to Basilica della Collegiata and absorb one other one in every of Catania’s stunning church buildings to see.
9.) Head over to Castello di Aci
Not too distant from the centre of Catania is Castello di Aci. It’s a couple of 15-minute drive and properly 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.
Yes, you’ll pay a small entry price to achieve entry to Castello di Aci but it surely’s completely value it. Once inside, you’ll get to wander across the small museum and take a look at the grounds themselves. We beloved it.
Afterwards, hop on again to the centre of Catania and take a look at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.
We had the perfect calamari and native fried fish. Served as road meals, it’s received a number 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 greatest issues to do in Catania. In reality, it’s onerous to overlook once you’re within the historic centre.
Built nearly 300 years in the past, it was created by the famend Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. To today, it’s stated that the Fountain of the Elephant is among the protectors of Catania – from the brut drive of an erupting Mount Etna.
Read extra: Best issues to do in Sicily
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