Catania what to see | Top 10 things to see and do in Catania
Catania what to see | Top 10 things to see and do in Catania
Catania is Sicily’s second largest city after Palermo, located on the east coast. Not only Catania itself is beautiful, but the city is also surrounded by lovely towns and villages. There is nothing finer than waking up in this city with a clear blue sky and a magnificent view of Mount Etna. The city is always living and everywhere you see local traditions reflected.
Are you wondering which things to do in Catania and what to see in the area? Then read on quickly. We list all the main attractions of Catania for you, including some amazing tips!
Things to do in Catania
1. Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is the central point of Catania. From here you can easily visit Catania’s biggest attractions. In fact, the central square of Catania Via Etnea, Via Crociferi, Mercato della Pescheria, Castello Ursino and the Teatro Romano. At night, the square really comes alive and there are a number of nice bars to have a drink while enjoying some street performers.
However, the real attractions of the square are the Duomo and the magnificent church Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata.
Did you know that you can also go up to the top of the Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata? For 3 euros you can go up and have a magnificent view of Catania.
2. Castello Ursino
Within 5 minutes you can get from Piazza del Duomo to Castello Ursino. Whereas many castles are often right on the coast or on a mountain, Castello ursino is in the middle of city. The castle is nice to see once, but not the most beautiful castle you will have ever seen. Inside the castle there is a museum and you can visit the old halls of the past.
For a really beautiful castle, go to Aci Castello. This village is located right next to Catania and has one of the most beautiful castles in all of Sicily with stunning views of the coastline and the village.
3. Teatro Romano
Like several cities in Sicily, Catania also has its own Roman theater. This ancient Roman theater dates back to the 2nd century BC and was the place in Catania for theatrical performances and fights between gladiators. Nowadays, many events are hosted in the theater. To see anything of the theater you really need to buy a ticket. Unfortunately, you cannot get a view into the theater from any side outside the theater.
Would you like to visit the theater? A ticket costs €6.00 for adults, and for people of the age 25 or younger it is €3.00. Important tip! Tickets cannot be ordered online and are only available at the theater itself. The opening hours are as follows:
In summer: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00 (entrance until 18:30).
In winter: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00 (entrance until 16:30).
4. Mercato della Pescheria
Among the many things to do in Catania, going to the fish market is one you cannot miss. This tradition has existed for many years and is one of the main attractions in Catania. The fish market is as old as it gets. Despite being very smelly, it is definitely worth walking around the fish market once and perhaps buying something tasty for dinner. Here you can really taste the now authentic Sicilian cues.
The Mercato della Pescheria can be found directly along the Piazza del Duomo if you pass the fountain and take the stairs down. At the market you will find mostly fish stalls downstairs and fruit and vegetable stalls upstairs. In addition, the whole street is filled with a ceiling of umbrellas. One of the must seen places in Catania!
5. Monastero dei Benedettini
This was personally in terms of sightseeing in Catania my favorite! Monastero dei Benedettini is a hidden gem that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the front you will find one of the largest churches in all of Sicily. This one unfortunately just looks like a complete block of concrete, but is still imposing because of its size.
Once you walk through the gate to the monastery, you will see how beautiful it is inside. You can walk through the monastery for free, where you can admire the 2 beautiful gardens from downstairs and upstairs. These gardens are great a place in Catania to relax during a city walk!
6. Via Etnea
Are you on vacation or on a city trip and want to go shopping in Catania? Then the Via Etnea is the place to be! On this big street you will find all the important stores. Apart from the stores, there is plenty of things to do in this street and there are beautiful buildings to see. So wandering down this street is definitely a must.
Walking along this long road that starts from Piazza del Duomo you soon reach Piazza Università. A large square with imposing large buildings. A little further on you will find the beautiful Basilica della Collegiata. About in the middle of Via Etnea, you will have Piazza Stesicoro. Despite being a busy square with lots of cars, you also have beautiful things to see. In fact, there is an old excavated Roman theater and the Chiesa di San Biagio.
When you continue the route again you will pass many stores and at the end you will find the beautiful park Villa Bellini.
7. Via crociferi
Along with the Monastero dei Benedettini, this is one of my favorite sights in Catania. Before going to Catania, I heard everyone talking about this street, where as many as 4 churches can be found within a short distance. And nothing was lied about it. The street is really special and actually directly along Via Etnea. Yet this street is a lot calmer, while right here you can admire the most beautiful churches. So be sure to put Via Crociferi on your list of things to see in Catania.
8. De Etna
When you say Catania, you say Mount Etna. This is what Catania is known for and what has defined the city’s history and past. From the city it is wonderful to admire Mount Etna. No matter where your are, the beautiful Etna vulcano can be seen from all over the city.
In case you would like to visit the Mount Etna, make sure to book your Etna tickets in advance as these can be sold out quite fast. Another tip is to bring some warm clothes with you. On top of Mount Etna it can be pretty cold.
9. Teatro Massimo Bellini
Located at Piazza Vincenzo Bellini square is the imposing theater Massimom Bellini. Besides the Duomo, this is one of the great other sights of Catania. The theater comes from the 19th century, but still regularly hosts concerts and opera performances.
From the square you have a great view of the Teatro Massimo Bellini. From the outside, the large theater has a distinct bronze color, like almost no other buildings in Catania. Yet the real splendor is found on the inside. The venue is truly magnificent. Should you have the chance to go to a performance at Teatro Massimo Bellini, it is highly recommended!
De leukste parken in Catania
Apart from all the famous sights in Catania, it is of course wonderful to escape from all the hustle and bustle and relax in one of the parks in Catania. Our two favorite parks to visit in Catania are Villa Bellini and Orto Botanico di Catania.
Villa Bellini
If you want to find peace in the middle of the city and enjoy nature, Villa Bellini is the place to be in Catania. In my opinion, this is the most beautiful park in Catania, where you even feel safe at night.
The park slopes upward, which means that on the higher part you have a beautiful view of the rest of the park. Villa Bellini is beautifully maintained and a green oasis you cannot miss.
Orto Botanico di Catania
If you walk a little further on Via Etnea from Villa Bellini you will reach the botanical garden of Catania. Good to know is that this botanical garden is free to visit. It is not a large botanical garden, but definitely a must see during your city walk.
