One of the most attractive places in the city for hiking is the historic Via Etnea. A significant part of the buildings on this street was erected in the 17th century. In those days, the city literally lay in ruins after another major earthquake. Many of the buildings represented here managed to preserve their original appearance. One of the main features of this street is the pavement. It is laid out with an unusual cobble of hardened lava, which was specially delivered to the city from the slopes of Etna.
On the territory of the historical district of Catania is the Benedictine Monastery. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exact date of the construction of this monastery is unknown. Various sources say that it was erected at the turn of the 15th - 16th centuries. The monastery is a complex architectural complex. On its territory, there are many farm buildings and several churches. The historical building is not empty; it houses the University of Catania. The cells of the monks today are equipped with teachers’ cabinets, and the old churches were converted to classrooms.
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