A stunning UNESCO World Heritage city centre, enchanting Baroque palaces and churches built after the tragic 17th-century eruption, one of the most vibrant cities in the Mediterranean: we’re talking about the city of Catania!
Discovering the treasures of what is often referred to as the “Black City” (due to the dark color of its buildings, which have been blackened by the soot and ashes from the imposing Mount Etna that overlooks Catania) can take at least three to four days. However, if you’re planning a short getaway to Sicily this spring, we can suggest a brief itinerary that allows you to glimpse the baroque wonders of this ancient city in just half a day.
So, get ready to wear your most comfortable shoes, and let’s get started!
Our visit begins in Piazza Federico di Svevia, where we will encounter the Ursino Castle: a Norman castle built by Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century. The castle now houses the Civic Museum, featuring sculptures, porcelain, weapons, and paintings from the Sicilian school.
Leaving the square and walking towards Via Auteri we reach ‘A Piscaria, the famous ancient fish market of Catania, where you can buy some delicious fresh fish and a divine place to take a step into the past and the most authentic Sicilian traditions, with a touch of the allure of a magical Arab bazaar. And then, here we are, in the pedestrian area of Piazza Duomo. The buildings surrounding the square create a perfect baroque composition: Porta Uzeda, the majestic Cathedral of Sant’Agata with its marvellous façade, a beautiful example of the Sicilian baroque, Palazzo degli Elefanti, the city hall, and the black lava-stone statue of the elephant, the symbol of the city, called “U Liotru”, which dates back to Roman times and has an Egyptian obelisk on its back.
To fully enjoy Catania’s vibrant culture and stunning architecture, consider staying nearby. Discover our exclusive collection of villas, perfect for your Sicilian getaway.
We warmly invite you to visit the nearby Teatro Bellini, one of the city’s most cherished architectural treasures. Famous worldwide for its excellent acoustics and elegant design, this historic theatre, dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, has enchanted icons like Maria Callas. A must-see experience in the heart of the city.
Suppose you’re looking for the most outstanding evidence of Sicilian Baroque architecture. In that case, you cannot miss Via dei Crociferi, extending from Villa Cerami to the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata in Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi. This little alley is studded with enchanting buildings and Eighteenth-Century churches. Returning to Piazza Duomo, we suggest stopping by one of the many typical cafes to take a break and regain your strength, perhaps tasting a delicious Cannoli or a traditional Arancino. Then you can reach Palazzo Bisconti, the most important palace of Catania, a project of Alonzo di Benedetto at the behest of the Paternò Castello family, built from 1707 to 1763.
After exploring the vibrant city of Catania, discover our full collection of exclusive villas across Sicily, each offering privacy, charm, and authentic Mediterranean beauty: