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Sunshine, seafood, and a sleeping volcano. Welcome to Catania, Sicily’s wild child where baroque beauty meets raw street life. In this walking tour, we’ll explore ancient ruins, smoky markets, and secret rooftops—so let’s get lost in one of Italy’s boldest cities.
CATANIA FISH MARKET
First stop—La Pescheria, Catania’s iconic fish market, where the chaos is part of the charm. Bright umbrellas flap overhead, locals haggle loudly, and the smell of the sea hits you before you even arrive. Fried fish is the king here—crispy, salty, perfect with a cold local beer. And yes, the beers come with labels so artistic, you’ll want to take one home. Whether you're here to snack, shop, or just stare—this place is pure Sicilian life on full blast.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO-FONTANA DELL'ELEFANTE
We’re
now standing in Piazza del Duomo, the main square of Catania. Much of
what you see here was rebuilt in the late 1600s after a massive
earthquake in 1693 destroyed most of the city. The square was
redesigned in the Sicilian Baroque style you see all around—ornate,
symmetrical, and full of volcanic stone details.
Right at the
center is Fontana dell’Elefante, Catania’s most famous monument.
The statue was created in 1736 by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the
same architect behind many of the city’s key landmarks.
The
elephant is carved from lava stone and is believed to be older than
the fountain itself. It may date back to Roman times—or even
earlier. On its back sits an Egyptian obelisk, which likely came from
ancient Syene, in what’s now Aswan.
The meaning? Still
debated. But for locals, ‘u Liotru’—as they call it—has
become a proud symbol of strength and endurance.
The square also
connects key points in the city: the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, the
Amenano Fountain, and Via Etnea, the city’s main shopping street.
It’s not just beautiful—it’s the geographic and cultural heart
of Catania.
PIAZZA DEL DUOMO CHURCHES
Facing
the square is the Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, Catania’s
main cathedral. Originally built in 1078 on the ruins of ancient
Roman baths, it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style after the
1693 earthquake. It’s dedicated to Saint Agatha, the city’s
patron saint, who was martyred here in the 3rd century. Inside,
you’ll find her relics and the tomb of composer Vincenzo Bellini,
who was born in Catania.
Just a short walk behind the cathedral
is Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata. It’s often overlooked, but
worth a stop—especially for the rooftop terrace. For a small fee,
you can climb a narrow spiral staircase to the top and get one of the
best views over the square, the city, and even Mount Etna on a clear
day.
Both churches are excellent examples of how Catania mixes
religion, history, and local pride—built from lava, rebuilt after
disaster, and still central to daily life.
FONTANA DELL’AMENANO
Just a few steps from the cathedral is the Amenano Fountain. Built in 1867 from Carrara marble, it marks the spot where the underground Amenano River flows beneath the city. Locals say the water ‘overflows like a tablecloth’—and you’ll see why. This elegant fountain also acts as the gateway to the fish market.
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CASTELLO URSINO
This is Castello Ursino, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II during the time of the Kingdom of Sicily. Originally, it stood on a cliff by the sea, but after the 1669 Mount Etna eruption, lava flows surrounded the castle, pushing the coastline further out.
It survived earthquakes, eruptions, and centuries of war, and later served as a royal residence and a prison. Normally, it houses Catania’s civic museum, with Greek, Roman, and medieval artifacts. Even from outside, it’s a striking piece of lava-stone history.
PIAZZA STESICORO - ROMAN AMPHITHEATE
We’re standing in Piazza Stesicoro, a busy square named after the ancient Greek poet Stesichorus. It’s a mix of old and new—surrounded by traffic, cafés, and shops, but with layers of history just beneath.
You’ll notice the statue of Vincenzo Bellini, Catania’s famous opera composer, watching over the square.
Now—turn around. Nestled just behind you, down a few steps, are the remains of the Roman Amphitheater of Catania. Built in the 2nd century AD, it once held up to 15,000 people. Today, only a portion is visible above ground, but it’s still a powerful sight.
You can walk right up to it, free of charge, and see the lava stone arches and curved seating.
Just keep in mind: this is not the larger Greek-Roman theatre we’ll visit next—that one’s still ahead.
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