Catania is a unique and attractive tourist destination that’s worth visiting even just for the weekend. With its exceptional location on the east coast of Sicily, between Mount Etna and the sea, Catania boasts a unique combination of natural beauty, history and culture.
What to see in Catania in two days
Catania Cathedral
To kick off your weekend in Catania, why not start with the old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Stroll through its cobbled streets, admiring the baroque architecture, its churches and the art nouveau palaces.
The Cathedral of Sant’Agata is undoubtedly one of the most important places of worship in Catania. This church combines different styles, including Norman, baroque and neoclassical, and is dedicated to the patron saint of the city. It houses some of Sicily’s most precious treasures, including relics and historical paintings.
In Piazza Duomo, you can’t help noticing the star of Catania: “U Liotru” or the elephant, the symbol of the city. The fountain is around 3.5 metres high and features an elephant made of black lava stone, with an Egyptian obelisk on its back. According to legend, the elephant was created by a wizard, Eliodoro, who rode the animal, formed by volcanic rock, to terrorise the inhabitants of the city.
Catania Fish Market
Once you’ve visited the Cathedral and the elephant fountain, make your way to the Amenano Fountain, named after the underground river, that runs below it. From the fountain, step down into the world of Catania’s fish market.
Visiting Catania’s fish market is a unique experience that will give you a taste of everyday life in the city and of Sicilian culinary traditions, as well as some typical sweets. Open your eyes, nose and heart there and immerse yourself in the traditions of the people of Catania and their cuisine, full of colour, contrasts and sweet and sour flavours.
You can also enjoy the fish market at lunchtime, as there are so many little outdoor places for a snack or a full meal under colourful umbrellas. For a true Sicilian experience, try the local dishes, such as fresh fish (sarde a beccafico, for example, sardines butterflied and stuffed), pasta alla norma (with aubergine), Sicilian cassata, granitas (with the obligatory brioche col tuppo, brioche with a hat!) and arancini. You can also try a local wine, such as Nerello Mascalese, a typical wine from the area of Mount Etna.
What to see in Catania on foot
Ursino Castle
Walk on to Ursino Castle, a charming fortress dating back to the 13th century and situated in the old part of the city. Built on the orders of Emperor Frederick II, the castle has undergone various transformations throughout the centuries, but its medieval charm has remained intact.
The Roman Theatre
Our walking tour through the streets of Catania moves on to another unmissable sight: the Roman Theatre, one of Catania’s most important archaeological sites. Built in the 2nd century B.C., it’s one of the largest Roman theatres on the island, with a capacity of around 7,000 spectators. The theatre has been restored and returned to its former glory, with the reconstruction of the steps and the repairing of the stage.
Today, the Roman Theatre is used for plays, concerts and other cultural events. It has also been used as a set for various films, including the famous Luchino Visconti film “The Leopard” (Il Gattopardo). If you’re interested in history and archaeology, you won’t want to miss a visit to this ancient Roman theatre, bearing testimony to the city’s past.
Via Crociferi
Now move on to Via Crociferi, one of Catania’s oldest and most charming streets, with its wealth of historical and artistic heritage. It is named after the church of San Camillo Padre dei Crociferi, which stands on this street. A stroll along Via Crociferi is a journey through the centuries, past religious buildings and ornate churches.
Piazza Università
After Via Crociferi, make your way to the famous Piazza Università, one of Italy’s most beautiful squares. Right in the heart of Catania, this square is one of the city’s most important and constitutes the cultural and academic centre of Catania. The square is also the ideal place for a stroll out in the open, admiring the numerous historic buildings and enjoying the unique atmosphere. And there’s no shortage of shops, bars or restaurants (along Via Etnea) for you to try some Sicilian delicacies.
Lastly, if you’re lucky, you can attend one of the many events held in the square, such as concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions, that bring even more life to this part of the city.
At Christmastime, for example, the Christmas markets are set up, with events for adults and children. If you’re wondering what to see in Catania at Christmas, read here.
Villa Bellini
For some time out, especially in summer, and to seek some shade from the boiling sun, go to Villa Bellini, the city’s lungs. This park is lovely and peaceful and you can relax among the fountains, plants and ancient trees. Near the entrance from Piazza Roma, there’s also a play park for the little ones.
What to see in Catania with children
And on the subject of children, Catania has numerous activities also for families who want to explore in a more entertaining and fun way.
The itineraries mentioned are also perfectly suitable for little feet; you just need to add a touch of imagination, maybe by looking out for all the animals and legendary figures hiding behind the monuments. There are also plenty of museums for children and family tours with children in mind.
What to see in Catania around the port: street art
If you’re a fan of urban art, the area around the port of Catania is the place to discover various works by local and international artists: the street art silos.
Nine internationally renowned street artists have interpreted myths and legends from Sicilian folklore, using the silos at the city’s port as a canvas. The aim is twofold: on the one hand, to give a modern twist to the key elements of the island’s culture, and on the other, to aesthetically enhance the port area, which is currently not very attractive.
The largest mural in the world can be found right here: it’s an imposing piece of art, as high as a ten-storey building and as wide as a football pitch, depicting a monumental gaze out to sea.
The surface of the eight silos has been painted with a human face looking towards the horizon, in the direction of Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Syria: places from where people have come and played their part in creating the identity of Sicily.
By the sea in Catania
Finally, if you feel like relaxing by the sea, you can do so on one of the many beaches along the coast of Catania: here’s a list of the most beautiful beaches in Catania.
So, as you can see, a weekend in Catania will offer you a unique combination of natural beauty, history, culture and cuisine. All you need to do now is book your flight with Volotea and come and explore Catania for the weekend!
