The Cityscape Itself is a World Heritage Site! 5 Must-See Attractions in Catania, Sicily’s Second-Largest City

Catania is a city on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, and is the second-largest city on the island after Palermo. The city, along with seven other towns in southeastern Sicily, is part of the "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto," a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catania boasts beautiful cityscapes, the stunning Sicilian coast, and the active volcano Mount Etna, making it a popular destination filled with natural, historical, and cultural attractions! Here, we present five of Catania’s most representative tourist spots. These sights offer a wealth of experiences, perfect for planning your trip to Sicily!

1. Mount Etna

Mount Etna is the highest mountain on a Mediterranean island and is said to be the most active volcano in the world. It is a symbol of Catania and a popular tourist destination where you can see unique scenery even in Sicily.

The highlight is Etna Park, where you can see traces of violent volcanic activity such as lava and craters. You can even get close to the crater area.

In addition, part of Mount Etna is used as a ranch and vineyard for wine, and there is also a winery. This winery is a popular spot where wine-loving tourists gather to enjoy Catania's wine. There are tours to Mount Etna from Catania and other places, and you can tour by bus or cable car. The site is vast, so a tour is convenient.

2. Massimo Bellini Theatre

Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania in 1801 and is one of Italy's leading classical and opera composers. The Massimo Bellini Theatre is a theater dedicated to Bellini and is a classic tourist spot in Catania that is a must-visit for classical and opera lovers.

The exterior is built in the Baroque style, and the interior is luxuriously decorated in red and gold. The frescoes on the ceiling of the theater depict the settings of Bellini's masterpieces, such as "Norma," "The Puritani," and "La Sonnambula," and are so magnificent that you will want to visit the theater just to see them. This theater hosts popular performances such as operas, ballets, and concerts throughout the year, making it an easy destination for tourists. Enjoy Bellini in Catania!

3. Catania Cathedral

Catania Cathedral, one of Catania's most famous tourist spots, is a stately Baroque building. It played a part in the city being registered as a World Heritage Site. Inside the Cathedral, you will find the altar of Saint Agatha and the tomb of composer Bellini. There are also many frescoes, which are well worth seeing.

Speaking of Italy, many people have seen the movie "Thermae Romae," and the remains of a Roman bathhouse remain in the basement of this Cathedral. For fans, this is a must-see tourist spot, as it is a chance to see the remains of a bathhouse from that time in Italy. The square in front of the Cathedral is called "Cathedral Square," and is the starting point of the elephant fountain and the cute tourist train, making it a base for sightseeing. The night illumination is also recommended, so please enjoy the beautiful city of Catania to the fullest.

4. Aci Castello

Aci Castello, located at a jut out from the coast of Catania, is a medieval castle made of volcanic rock. The land on which the castle stands is also made of lava, making it a tourist spot unique to Catania, a city with an active volcano, Mount Etna.

The castle looks cool and imposing from the ground, but its view from the sea is also exceptional. For this reason, cruising tours of the city of Catania are popular with tourists. This lava castle, located in the Baroque city, a World Heritage Site, matches the surrounding scenery to create a spectacular view. It's a spot with a different atmosphere from other tourist spots in the city, so be sure to check it out! The sunset from here is also a must-see.

In "Asobirand," there is a rock-climbing playset and a library, while "Fushigirand" features corners where children can easily learn about physics. "Monoshirirand" is a space where children can gather materials using the internet, engage in crafts, or conduct experiments. With so many activities, kids can stay entertained all day long! It's a highly recommended facility for families with children.

5. Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò Larena

The Benedictine Abbey of San Nicolò Larena was built around the 16th century as a Benedictine monastery. It is currently used as the building for the Faculty of Letters and Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Catania, the oldest university in Sicily, but due to its high historical value, it is open to tours of the interior.

The monastery is full of things to see, such as the courtyard, cloisters, and remains of the baths, but one thing you can't miss is the library. Beneath the ceiling paintings and decorations with pastel borders, historically important books are lined up on wooden bookshelves across two floors, creating an impressive beauty. This is an important tourist attraction in Catania where you can feel the history of the city!

◎ Summary

We have introduced recommended sightseeing spots in Catania. Catania is a tourist destination with many historically important buildings, as evidenced by its registration as a World Heritage Site as a Baroque town. Another attraction is the many tourist spots rich in nature, such as Mount Etna and Aci Castello. There are also many popular restaurants and cafes, so you can enjoy delicious food as well. Enjoy your trip to Catania with the convenient tourist train.

Search

Customer Support

The Cityscape Itself is a World Heritage Site! 5 Must-See Attractions in Catania, Sicily’s Second-Largest City