Our third trip to Italy in 2022 brought us to Catania, Sicily—a place that had somehow slipped through the cracks on our previous visits. With two months to explore, we started our adventure in Malta before heading over to Sicily, and let me tell you, Catania did not disappoint!
A Rich History and Diverse Culture
Sicily is a melting pot of cultures, from the ancient Greeks to the Romans, Arabs, Normans, and beyond. Catania, founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BCE, has seen its fair share of rulers and conquerors, each leaving their mark. Despite being hit by numerous earthquakes and eruptions from Mount Etna, the city has always rebuilt and thrived, maintaining its unique cultural and historical identity.
Arrival in Catania: First Impressions
We flew in from Malta, arriving a bit late in the evening. Thankfully, our awesome host picked us up and gave us a warm welcome, walking us through everything we needed to know for our stay. After settling in, we decided to grab a quick bite at La Piè Piadineria Artigianale just around the corner. While we knew Sicily was less touristy than other parts of Italy, we were still surprised by the language barrier—thankfully, a mix of hand gestures and our best attempt at Italian got us a delicious local Piadene, a pizza crust stuffed with fillings, and paired it with a bottle of wine.
Things to Do in Catania: Explore the Heart of the City
Piazza del Duomo is the perfect place to kick off your exploration of Catania. This grand square is surrounded by stunning buildings, with the iconic Catania Cathedral at its center. The cathedral, originally built between 1078-1093, has been rebuilt multiple times due to earthquakes and eruptions. The most notable reconstruction happened after the devastating 1693 earthquake, which gave the cathedral its Baroque style. The blend of Norman and Baroque architecture, along with remnants of the original structure, makes this cathedral a must-see.
La Pescheria: Catania’s Bustling Fish Market
A short walk from the cathedral, you’ll find La Pescheria, Catania’s vibrant fish market. The market is a sensory overload—filled with fresh seafood, colourful stalls, and the constant chatter of vendors and customers haggling. It’s the perfect place to experience Catania’s lively atmosphere and get a taste of its local flavors.
Fontana dell’Amenano: A Unique Fountain
Not far from the market is the Fontana dell’Amenano, an elegant fountain created in 1867 by Neapolitan sculptor Tito Angelini. The fountain features a young man holding a cornucopia, with water cascading in a unique “drapery” style. The underground river that once flowed openly through the city is represented here, and the water eventually makes its way to the sea through a canal. It’s a beautiful spot for photos and a moment of peace in the busy city.
Teatro Antico: Step Back in Time
A must-see while in Catania is the Teatro Antico, a 2nd-century Greek-Roman amphitheater. This ancient site offers a fascinating look into Catania’s past, and it’s a great spot to imagine what life was like in ancient times. The ruins are well-preserved, and the amphitheater’s grandeur will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Chiesa di San Giuliano: A Stunning Baroque Church
Another must-visit is the Chiesa di San Giuliano, a stunning Baroque church built between 1741-1754. The church was constructed on the ruins of an older building that was destroyed in the massive 1693 earthquake. Inside, you’ll find a breathtaking frescoed cupola by Giuseppe Rapisardi, featuring God the Father and Saint Peter. If you’re up for a climb, the views from the loggia are spectacular, offering one of the best panoramas of Catania.
The Best of Catania’s Food Scene
One of the highlights of our trip to Catania was definitely the food. We were lucky to visit during Bronte pistachio season, so everywhere we went, we indulged in pistachio-flavoured treats—from granitas to gelatos, pastas, and pastries. My favorite? The pistachio pasta topped with crispy guanciale—so tender, so delicious! The tomato and ricotta salads were also divine, and I still dream about the flavours.
Navigating Catania: Renting a Car for Exploration
While Catania is a walkable city, we rented a car for the next leg of our trip to explore nearby towns like Noto, Bronte, Syracusa, and Grammichele. Driving in Catania is an adventure in itself—traffic circles, scooters zipping by, and pedestrians strolling wherever they want! Buckle up because it’s a wild ride!
Explorable from Catania
As we had a rental car to lean on, we were able to explore such gems as Noto; Grammichele; Bronte; Syracuse; Savoca; and Taormina. Each of these are unique and we highly recommend!
Final Thoughts
Catania is an exciting and vibrant city that blends rich history with modern charm. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, sampling delicious local food, or navigating the chaotic streets, Catania offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Sicily, don’t miss out on this gem!
Our trip continues with our next destination – Palermo…
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