{"id":3459,"date":"2021-11-02T08:29:57","date_gmt":"2021-11-02T08:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/?p=3459"},"modified":"2026-04-01T14:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T12:32:08","slug":"catania-sicilys-second-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wishsicily.com\/blog\/catania-sicilys-second-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Catania \u2013 Sicily\u2019s second city"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best things to see and do in Catania<\/h1>\n

Catania<\/a> may technically be Sicily\u2019s second largest city but its lashings of Baroque style, dark lava stone buildings and elaborate architecture elevate it to one of Sicily\u2019s must-see destinations<\/a>. Undeniably lively and perhaps slightly chaotic, the city today blends history and art with contemporary living, showcasing extravagant palazzi and churches, authentic markets and designer boutiques.<\/p>\n

In the 17th<\/sup> century, the city was devastated by a volcanic eruption and, less than 30 years later, a major earthquake, resulting in much of the city being rebuilt into one of black and white palazzi and sweeping baroque piazzas, under the guidance of Giovanni Vaccarini and Steffano Ittar. Their vision is the reason that today, the city sits alongside seven other towns in UNESCO\u2019s Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto collection.<\/p>\n

Rather than staying in the centre of town, choose a Sicilian\u00a0villa or apartment<\/a> on the fringes of the city, in nearby Acireale or on the slopes of Mount Etna. Then head into Catania to discover its amazing cultural offerings.<\/b><\/p>\n

Catania\u2019s historic centre<\/h3>\n

Start exploring in the city\u2019s relatively small historic centre where Greek-Roman ruins and remnants of Byzantine, Arab and Norman architecture still remain.\u00a0 Wander through the network of narrow passageways, hidden alleyways and cobbled streets and along passageways with authentic eateries.<\/p>\n

The showstopper is the Piazza del Duomo, home to the spectacular Cattedrale di Sant\u2019Agata and the black lava carved Fontana dell\u2019Elefante, an iconic symbol of strength said to stand guard over the city. For more baroque beauty, head to the Arco di San Benedetto and on to the Via Crociferi, pause at the fresco-filled church of San Benedetto and continue past San Francesco Borgia and the curved fa\u00e7ade of San Giuliano, finishing up at the baroque Villa Cerami, now the university\u2019s law faculty.<\/p>\n

\"guide-to-catania\"<\/a>
Catania\u2019s historic centre<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Castles in Catania<\/h3>\n

Check out the very austere looking Castello Ursino, built by Frederick II on the sea-front. The castle has survived Etna eruptions, an earthquake and a short period as a prison and is currently a museum and venue for art exhibitions.<\/p>\n

Going for a song<\/h3>\n

Catania\u2019s opera house, the Teatro Massimo Bellini was dedicated to Bellini whose magnificent masterpiece, \u2018Norma\u2019, inaugurated the theatre in 1890. Even if opera\u2019s not your thing, consider taking a guided tour for a glimpse of its luxuriant red velvet seating and ornate Baroque design.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Catania\u2019s opera house, the Teatro Massimo Bellini\u00a0ph: fondoambiente.it<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Markets in Catania<\/h3>\n

La Pescheria is one of Italy\u2019s biggest fish markets, a raucous but vibrant scene of bellowing stallholders competing to unload their mini-mountains of gleaming fish, slabs of swordfish and buckets of clams and mussels. You\u2019ll also find stalls selling fruit, vegetables and local cheeses but actually, the street theatre is the big attraction here.<\/p>\n

\"pisciaria-street-food-sicily\"<\/a>
Catania’s street market “Pescheria”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Catania\u2019s food scene<\/h3>\n

You won\u2019t be surprised to hear that Catania has its own foodie specialities. \u2018Pasta alla Norma\u2019 is its best-known dish, comprising pasta \u2013 usually rigatoni \u2013 with fried chunks of aubergine, tomato sauce and salty ricotta. A street food tour<\/a> will introduce you to some great culinary highlights, including iconic arancini (rice balls), and \u2018cipollata\u2019 (spring onions wrapped in bacon and grilled), finishing off with cannoli or a gelato.
\n