Holiday in Catania

About Catania

Catania is the black pearl of Sicily — a baroque port city at the foot of Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano (3,357 m), built from lava stone and existing in its dramatic beauty between fire and sea. The second largest city in Sicily (after Palermo) has been destroyed seven times throughout its history by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and each time rebuilt more magnificently — most recently after the devastating earthquake of 1693, which gave rise to Sicilian late baroque architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mount Etna dominates the city skyline like an omnipresent deity: From almost every street in Catania, the smoking volcanic peak can be seen, and the fertile lava soils on its slopes produce some of the best wines and pistachios in the world. Excursions to the crater rim (by cable car and off-road vehicle from Rifugio Sapienza at 1,910 m) are among the most spectacular experiences in Sicily. La Pescheria, the historic fish market behind Piazza del Duomo, is a feast for all the senses: Every morning (except Sunday), fishmongers shout their prices, swordfish and tuna are filleted before the eyes of buyers, and the scent of fresh sea urchins (Ricci di Mare) and grilled octopus mingles with the aroma of Sicilian spices. Piazza del Duomo with the Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell'Elefante, Catania's landmark), the baroque cathedral of Sant'Agata, and the Palazzo degli Elefanti is the heart of the city: The small lava elephant with an Egyptian obelisk on its back is the curiosity around which dozens of legends revolve. Nighttime Catania is a revelation: Via Etnea, which runs straight from the Duomo to Etna, is lined with bars and ice cream parlors, and the neighborhoods of San Berillo and Castello Ursino transform into a lively nightlife area with live music and street food.