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 one of the best issues to do in Catania – each in and simply exterior 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 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 just a little ‘tough across the edges’, it’s a metropolis that’s bought a lot appeal and the form 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 appeal and completely distinctive.

So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Catania, I’m sharing among the spots we beloved most about our go to. Check out among the epic locations to go to in Catania. Have an incredible journey travelling round Sicily. 

1.) Go to Palazzo Biscari

The non-public 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 correct to construct a stunning 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 attractive courtyard earlier than heading to see the grand corridor, hand-painted frescos and essentially the most lovely staircase. Actually, 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 attractive), so ensure to go over when you arrive in Sicily. 

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2.) Take a Journey to Castello Ursino

Constructed method again within the 1200s, out of lava stone, visiting Castello Ursino is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Catania if you wish to discover town’s lengthy historical past.

Sure, it may not 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 form of felt that Castello Ursino was extra spectacular from the skin (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 fort house. 

3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment

The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Enviornment may not appear to be an apparent selection 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 wish to come right here.

Now, guided excursions occur on most days they usually usually final round 75-minutes. Although, all the time examine the instances they function and remember that if you need an English tour, then you definately’ll wish to go to at round 1 pm. 

Lastly, 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 offered by the close by Mount Etna, the Roman Theater of Catania is one epic a part of town to see while strolling round.

Sure, you have to to pay a small entrance price to have a nosey across the web site nevertheless it’s properly price it.

With hundreds of years of historical past, it’s the form of place the place you possibly can be taught 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! 

Keep in mind I discussed that Cantania is typically thought-about a gateway to wider Sicily? Effectively, this is without doubt one of the instances when that rings true. Visiting Mount Etna is definitely among the finest issues to do in Catania for those who’re searching for a day journey away from the bustling streets.

Now, among the finest 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×Four 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. In any case, the terroir is so good round right here. 

That being mentioned, for those who fancy climbing, be warned it’s a 3,300-meter hike and is fairly arduous. Additionally, don’t neglect that Mount Etna is without doubt one of the most energetic volcanoes in Europe – so all the time 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 this present day, you possibly can stroll by means of the gates and witness among the finest 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 wedding ceremony reward, proper? 

Anyway, it’s very easy to see and properly price taking a detailed 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 attributable to tectonic exercise. 

Afterwards, take a while to go to the markets and wander by means of the day by day stalls that line the streets previous Fontana dell’Amenano and round Porta Uzeda. 

Learn extra: Best 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 wish to miss. 

Best 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, 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. 

Completely free to enter, visiting is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Catania while you stroll across the metropolis.

Simply remember, there are companies that go on all year long right here. This implies you may rock up and discover the church closed to sightseers. 

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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 attractive, 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 very popular and that the Sicilian solar is robust. Put on a hat and take sunblock with you – the Italian solar isn’t any joke! 

Afterwards, take a stroll to Basilica della Collegiata and soak up one other one among 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 reasonably dramatic cliffside that overlooks the seas surrounding Sicily itself. The views are unimaginable. 

Sure, you’ll pay a small entry price to achieve entry to Castello di Aci nevertheless it’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 beloved it. 

Afterwards, hop on again to the centre of Catania and take a look at Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.

We had one of the best calamari and native fried fish. Served as avenue meals, it’s bought just a few seats exterior and all are served in a paper cone. It was all so good. 

10.) Spot the Fountain of the Elephant

The image of town, seeing the Fountain of the Elephant is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Catania. In reality, it’s onerous to overlook if you’re within the historic centre. 

Constructed nearly 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 without doubt one of the protectors of Catania – from the brut drive of an erupting Mount Etna. 

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