Disclosure: This post (probably) contains affiliate links. If you click on one, I may make a small commission. Of course, this will come at no extra cost to you and helps keep this site running.
As much as Sicily is an island of seaside and countryside, it’s hard to miss Sicily’s major cities. Catania over on the east coast is one and is a typical starting point for those seeking to explore Sicily. While nearby coastal destinations like Taormina and Syracuse may be more photogenic, there’s quite a lot to keep you entertained while visiting Catania. That’s where this Catania guide comes into play.
Inside this sightseeing guide to Catania you’ll find recommendations on attractions around the city you won’t want to miss. Most are easy enough to reach from the city centre and you could probably cover them all with one day in Catania. This guide isn’t exactly exhaustive, but it should make sure you don’t miss anything too important. Mix in some wandering and you have the makings of a great visit. Here are my Catania travel tips for an uncomplicated time in this Italian city.
City of Catania
To understand the city’s sights and what makes them interesting, it’s useful to first understand the city itself. Catania is one of the ten largest cities in Italy, lending it all the chaos and complexity those big cities are known for. Like many places in southern Italy, Catania has struggled economically at times and has the looks to show for it.
Certainly there are nice parts of the city, but generally Catania has a gritty and worn look to it. For instance, instead of beaches and waterfront promenades, the city’s coast instead has train tracks and a port. To me, that’s one of the interesting reasons to visit Catania, as it’s a raw and genuine kind of place. It can make walking the city streets quite enjoyable too as there’s little conformity or modern sheen to cover up its undeniable character.
It’s also a city with thousands of years of history that have been shaped by countless different civilizations. Greeks, Romans, Normans, the Holy Roman Empire and Spain have all been here at some point. Naturally then, historical and cultural landmarks from these different eras cover most of what to do in Catania.
Massimo Bellini Theatre
Let’s start with one of the easy places to visit in Catania, the eye-catching Massimo Belline Theatre. Found in the eastern part of the Old Town, this building is truly a thing of beauty. The city built the theatre to replace the previous one destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. It took well over 200 years to finish this Baroque charmer in 1890 but it clearly was worth the wait.
The theatre hosts opera performances and concerts in its lavish interior, which I only saw photos of after my trip. In hindsight, I wish I had tried to see inside because its red and golden decor looks stunning. Rather than waiting for a performance, it’s possible to take a guided tour inside.
Ancient Roman Theatre and Odeon
Ever wondered what is hidden away behind buildings on a busy street? Well in Catania it could actually be impressive Roman ruins. The Ancient Roman Theatre and Odeon of Catania are shielded from view when you’re on the busy Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
But walk through the small visitor centre and you emerge out at the bottom of a significant area of open-air ruins. Through my travels in Europe I’ve come across a lot of these Roman theatres now and yet this was a wholly new experience.
Even with homes looming right over the theatre, the site is extremely well-preserved. All that can be seen today dates from the 1st century AD, but there was an even older Greek structure. Moving up the steps you can walk around through the outer tunnel to the ruins of various atrium. Then there are several centuries-old houses that were built on and along the ruins, which have their own history. Of the all many things to do in Catania, this is one I recommend not missing.
Piazza del Duomo
In terms of Catania must see attractions, there may be none higher than Piazza del Duomo. This is the city’s main square, home to several eye-catching sights and rests at one end of the immensely long Via Etnea street. One thing that should capture your attention here is the Baroque architecture here. It’s not only grand and beautiful, but it is done in such a dark hue that you get a foreboding aesthetic that I haven’t really seen before.
The Catania Cathedral gives the square its name and its elegant design is quite spectacular. Much like many places in the region, it was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. It’s free to visit inside and explore its cavernous interior. But the cathedral is not alone on Piazza del Duomo.
On two sides of the square you’ll find stately palaces, also decked out in the dark Sicilian Baroque style. Then there’s the Fontana dell’Elefante, an iconic Roman statue of an elephant, in the heart of the square. Just south of the square, past another fountain, you’ll find Catania’s bustling Fish Market. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of seafood restaurants in the neighbouring streets. Surprise, surprise!
Amphitheatre Catania
Now is when sightseeing in Catania can get a little tricky. We’ve already talked about the Ancient Roman Theatre, but over on Piazza Stesicoro there is the Roman Amphitheater of Catania. Despite their names and the confusion that you get from Google when searching them, they are indeed different landmarks. And there are a number of factors that make them so different.
These open-air ruins, partially submerged within the city streets, date back to around 300 BCE. Unlike the theatre, they’re only partly visible and partly intact. You can also easily view these ruins as they’re right in a public square situated on one of the city’s main streets. That being said, they’re also not as impressive. What is good about seeing both sets of ruins is that you get a sense of the scale and importance that Catania must have had in Roman times.
Villa Bellini Gardens
Despite its size, there really isn’t much greenery in the centre of Catania. That’s partly why it’s nice to visit the beautiful terrace gardens of Villa Bellini. But the gardens are also an attraction in their own right, from the fountains and statues, to the Botanical clock, to the little rotunda at the top of the hill. It’s a rare serene spot in this often loud city and reminds me a little of Rome in some ways.
Castello Ursino
The one main reason people choose to venture south of Piazza del Duomo it to see Castello Ursino. Located in a more low-key part of the city, this formidable stone castle is hard to miss. While not very ornamental, Castello Ursino has plenty of history to its name.
The Kingdom of Sicily built it in the 13th century in an attempt to flex power during a turbulent period in the region’s history. Time has been good to the castle and it now houses the Civico Museo, full of archaelogical and historic artifacts.
Benedictine Monastery
Although it’s a walk up the hill away from the city centre, don’t miss the Benedictine Monastery. This striking building may date from later reconstruction, but the monastery itself has been around since 1558. Because of its immense heritage and architecture, the building belongs to the vast Val di Noto World Heritage Site.
Now part of the university, you can freely visit inside and wander about. While there’s quite a monumental church next door, the marble cloister seen above was the spot that really captured my imagination.
Travel Tips for Visiting Catania
So with all that, is Catania worth visiting? I think so, even if it isn’t as romantic or captivating as other places in Sicily. Now if you’re visiting Sicily, there’s a good chance you’ll have to visit regardless, as Catania is home to one of the island’s main airports.
To get from Catania Airport to the city centre it’s easiest to go by bus, with two options, the AMT ALIBUS and the No. 457. The ALIBUS is more frequent and also more expensive at 4€, but both will get you to the centre in 20 minutes or so.
As for where to stay in Catania, my suggestion is to aim for as central as possible. A modest and comfortable option that I enjoyed was Ivana B&B, which felt more like a homestay. Otherwise, there’s a huge deal of choice in hotels, guesthouses and more in Catania.
Have you ever thought about visiting Catania Sicily? Which attractions in Catania would you be looking to visit first? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.
