A Sicilian city with Baroque architecture and a lively fish market. Near Mount Etna, it features ancient ruins and museums honoring composer Vincenzo Bellini.
Catania, Sicily's second-largest city, sits at the foot of Mount Etna on the eastern coast. The active volcano has shaped the city's history and architecture through eruptions and earthquakes. Catania's historic center is filled with Baroque buildings constructed from dark volcanic stone. Walk through the lively fish market, explore ancient Roman ruins, visit grand palaces, relax on nearby beaches, or take a trip to Mount Etna itself.
Mount Etna's Influence on Catania
Mount Etna dominates Catania's landscape and has significantly impacted the city. The volcano's eruptions have destroyed Catania multiple times throughout history, most notably in 1669 when lava flows reached the city walls. After a devastating earthquake in 1693, residents rebuilt Catania using the abundant volcanic rock, giving the city its characteristic dark gray color. You'll see this distinctive lava stone in many buildings and monuments around the city center. The volcano remains active today, occasionally sending up plumes of smoke visible from Catania.
Exploring Catania's Baroque Center
UNESCO recognized Catania's historic core as a World Heritage site for its late Baroque architecture. After the 1693 earthquake, architects reconstructed the city in the Baroque style popular at the time. As you walk through the wide avenues and spacious squares, you'll see palaces and churches with detailed facades and decorations. The Piazza del Duomo forms the heart of the old town, where you'll find the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Elephant Fountain. Nearby, visit other Baroque buildings like the Church of San Giuliano and Palazzo Biscari with its impressive ballroom.
La Pescheria Fish Market
For an immersive experience of local life, head to La Pescheria, Catania's fish market. Located near Piazza del Duomo, the market comes alive each morning except Sunday as fishmongers sell their fresh catches. As you wander through the stalls, you'll see an array of Mediterranean seafood on display, from swordfish and tuna to smaller local specialties. The lively atmosphere and vendors' loud calls create an engaging sensory experience. Even if you're not buying fish, the market gives you a chance to observe an important part of Catania's culinary culture.
Catanian Cuisine and Street Food
Catania's food scene combines Sicilian traditions with local specialties. Try pasta alla Norma, a dish of pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata cheese. Another local favorite is arancini, fried rice balls with various fillings. For a quick snack, look for friggitorie (fry shops) selling items like crispelle (fried dough) and cartocciate (stuffed pizza rolls). Catania also has a strong street food culture - visit a kiosk for seltz limone e sale (sparkling water with lemon and salt) or a refreshing granita. End your meal with a sweet cannolo filled with ricotta cream.
Roman Ruins and Castello Ursino
While much of Catania's visible architecture dates to the Baroque period, you can explore remnants of the city's ancient past. The Roman Theater complex in the city center includes the remains of a Greek theater later expanded by the Romans, as well as the smaller Odeon. Nearby, you can descend underground to see parts of Roman baths. For medieval history, visit Castello Ursino. Built in the 13th century as a royal castle, it now houses the Civic Museum with collections of art and archaeological artifacts. The castle's position inland shows how lava flows have changed Catania's coastline over the centuries.
Beaches Near Catania
When you want to escape the urban environment, Catania provides easy access to beaches along the Ionian coast. The closest option is La Playa, a long stretch of golden sand just south of the city. This public beach has areas with umbrellas and loungers for rent, as well as free sections. For a different experience, head to San Giovanni Li Cuti, a small black sand beach formed by volcanic rock. North of Catania, the Riviera dei Ciclopi has rocky coves and clear waters for swimming. Many of these coastal areas provide views of Mount Etna in the distance.
