Travel Guide to Catania, Italy

The city is located in the eastern part of Sicilia, just near Etna volcano. The life of the city is fully dependent on the mood of the glorious volcano. During its long history Catania has been simply buried under the layers of ash. However, due to hard-working and diligent inhabitants of this town, historical and architectural sights of the city were kept in safety.

The ancient Roman theatre is the main architectural sight of this town. This facility can gather around 7 thousand of people. Nearby the theatre is located Odeon that has been used as the place of repetitions of male chorus. While making a walk on Piazza Stezicoro you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheater, the building of which took place in the 2nd century. The height of the ancient building was over 30 meters and the amphitheater’s diameter estimated 71 meter. Such a large-scale facility could easily seat 16 thousands of viewers.

One more picturesque square is named Duomo. Here is located a fountain made in the shape of an elephant. This huge and strong animal is the symbol of Catania starting from 1200. The choice of the symbol is logical as in ancient times there have been many elephants on the territory of the modern city. They protected the locals from wild animals and were true helpers in farming.

The largest religious sight of the city is Catania Cathedral, the building of which finished a thousand years ago.

Besides rich cultural program Catania offers its guests wide choice of entertainments. Tourists will find here a large choice of clubs and restaurants. Nightlife is so usual and ordinary here that many public houses work round-the-clock. Theatrical art connoisseurs will not get bored in Catania as well as there are 25 theaters in this city and each of them is ready to entertain its visitors every day.

Read more about Catania:
Restaurants and cuisine in Catania
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Catania
Nightlife and attractions in Catania
Preparing for Catania: Advices
Catania photogallery