Best Tourist Places to Visit in Catania, Italy, Europe

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Catania, Italy, Europ

Catania is the capital city of the Catania province in Italy located on the east coast of Sicily Island at an elevation of 7 meters. It belongs to the Sicily region, is situated about 210 km southeast of the regional capital, Palermo and 795 km south of the national capital, Rome.

Geography of Catania:

Situated at the foot of the Mount Etna, Catania coordinates with 37°30′0″ N latitude and 15°5′25″ E longitude covering an area of 180.88 sq. km.

History of Catania:

According to the historical sources, Catania was founded in the 8th century BC, and the University of Catania was established in the year 1434. Some historical landmarks in Catania include the Catania Cathedral, San Placido, and the Saint Michael Archangel Church.

Connectivity to Catania:

Catania is served by the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport which is situated about 5 km away from the city centre and operates flights to many prominent European cities including Malta, Munich, Bucharest, Geneva, London, Bergamo, Barcelona and Budapest.

By bus, it takes around 20 minutes from the airport to Catania city centre. Taxis are also available.

Catania also has good connectivity with neighboring cities such as Enna, Caltanissetta, Ragusa, Taormina and Messina by frequent bus services.

To get around taxis, rental cars and bikes, and public buses and trains are useful.

Culture, Food and shopping in Catania:

The Teatro Massimo Bellini is the prime cultural centre of Catania. Catania is the home town of the opera composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Catania is packed with full of modernized and traditional shops all around the city. Pasta alla Norma is very much popular dish in Catania and the prominent food corners in Catania are as follows:

Gisira Pizza and Drinks
Bisou Cake Design
Trattoria Catania Ruffiana
Trattoria Giglio Rosso
Me Cumpari Turiddu

Things to do in Catania:

Hiking
Visiting museums and historical sites
Shopping
Festival celebrations

Places to see in Catania:

Catania Cathedral:

Located on Via Vittorio Emanuele II in Catania, the Catania Cathedral is the icon of Catania devoted to Saint Agatha. This Roman Catholic cathedral was initially constructed in the 11^th century.

Castello Ursino:

The Castello Ursino is a must visit site in Catania which was constructed between 1239 and 1250 by the emperor Frederick II who was the King of Sicily. It is generally open from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:30 – 7:00 pm.

Catania Botanical Garden:

The Catania Botanical Garden is situated on the Via A. Longo in Catania, maintained by the University of Catania botany department. It houses thousands of indigenous and exotic plant and flower species in the area of 16,000 m².

List of other places of interest in Catania includes:

Palazzo Biscari
Palazzo degli Elefanti
Uzeda Gate
Palazzo Tezzano
Gioeni Park
Bellini Garden
San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata
Pacini Garden
Roman Thermal Baths
San Francesco Borgia
The Odeon
San Benedetto da Norcia
Badìa di Sant’Agata
Santa Maria dell’Aiuto
Roman Amphitheatre

Best time to visit Catania:

The months between May and October are best to enjoy holidays in Catania.

Accommodation options in Catania:

Catania is home to hundreds of well facilitated accommodation centers welcoming tourists from the different regions of the throughout the year. Other than facilities and services, tourists can also enjoy authentic mouthwatering Italian delicacies in such hotels. List of the famous hotels in Catania include: