Have you fallen in love with Sicily and, on your next trip, would you like to discover what to see in Catania in one day?
In this post I want to tell you which are the most important monuments in Catania and how best to visit this beautiful Sicilian city.
Among the things to see in Catania in one day, keep in mind that the city’s history is deeply tied to its territory, and in particular to Etna. The volcano, one of the largest in Europe, has shaped the life of the inhabitants, radically transforming their habits and culture.
If you want to make the most of your trip with an unforgettable experience, I recommend a half-day Etna excursion from Catania: I promise you won’t regret it.
But now back to us, and let’s discover together the most beautiful things to see in Catania in one day.
Off we go!
Why is there an elephant in Catania?
To start telling you what to see in Catania in one day, I want to tell you about the city’s symbol.
As you stroll, at some point you’ll come face to face with an elephant: its statue stands right in front of the cathedral of Catania, at the centre of the square, holding up an obelisk (probably of Egyptian origin).
But why is there an elephant in Catania?
No one knows how old the work is, but it’s certainly very ancient. There are various legends about the elephant of Catania: some say it commemorates a Roman victory over the Carthaginians. What’s certain is that the elephant (“u Liotru”) has been the symbol of Catania at least since the 13th century.
The elephant of Catania is made of lava stone: almost everywhere in the city you’ll see this black stone, because the inhabitants quarried it from Etna’s eruptions. Even its current position is tied to the volcano: after the city was almost destroyed by the eruption of 1669 and the earthquake of 1693, the statue was set into a monumental fountain by Giovan Battista Vaccarini (1736), who also restored it.
But visiting Catania in one day won’t be easy, because there’s much more to see. Starting with the beautiful cathedral of Sant’Agata!
The cathedral of Sant’Agata in Catania
What to see in Catania in one day? Certainly the cathedral of Sant’Agata!
The cathedral of Catania was built over the remains of Roman baths at the end of the 11th century by the powerful Norman family of the Altavilla (remember? I mentioned them regarding the unfinished abbey of Venosa).
Like most of the monuments of Catania, this church too was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake: the forms are 18th-century and the style is enriched by the opulence of the Baroque (the façade is by Vaccarini). In the apse, however, medieval remains and some reused Roman columns are still visible.
Here’s a curiosity about the cathedral of Catania!
In front of the altar, next to the great pillar, is the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, the great Catanian composer. His remains were moved here in 1876 from the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, where he’d been buried after his death in 1835.
But the history of Catania has roots in an even more distant past.
On the trail of the Greeks and Romans at Katane
The history of Catania is among the oldest in Italy.
It was the Greeks who founded the city, under the name Katane, in the 8th century BC; it later passed under Roman rule, from which the magnificent theatre survives, still well preserved.
How to visit it?
The entrance ticket to the Roman theatre of Catania gives access to the theatre and an exhibition space with statues and decorations (check the updated price before you go).
Along Via Etnea, the main street leading up to the cathedral, you’ll find the remains of another Roman building: the amphitheatre, of which you can see a portion in Piazza Stesicoro.
The Ursino castle
The Ursino castle is a monument you absolutely must include in your itinerary on what to see in Catania in one day.
This stronghold was built by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century and stood by the sea, like many other castles, including those of Trani and Roseto Capo Spulico.
After the eruption of 1669, the lava covered part of the city, castle included, though without damaging its structure (which is why today it’s no longer by the sea). The building was later the seat of parliament during the Sicilian Vespers, an Aragonese royal residence, a military garrison and finally a prison.
And today?
Today it houses the civic museum of Catania and hosts temporary exhibitions.
One detail that intrigued me is the five-pointed star on one of the windows: I’ve read it’s a Star of David linked to the Jewish craftsmen of the time, but the Star of David usually has six points. A little mystery that adds charm to the visit.
Baroque in Catania: UNESCO heritage
The elegant baroque buildings of Catania are part of the UNESCO heritage (the late-baroque towns of the Val di Noto), in particular those of Piazza del Duomo. The beauty of Catania lies precisely in its elegant architecture and its historic palaces.
To admire Piazza del Duomo in Catania I recommend climbing the dome of the Badia di Sant’Agata, the baroque church next to the cathedral: you’ll have to climb many steps, but you’ll see the city from above its rooftops and enjoy a beautiful view of Etna.
Another stop not to miss is the Benedictine monastery, today the seat of the university, with its stunning architecture and cloisters.
Gardens and markets: daily life in Catania
There are two more places in Catania that struck me: its parks and the fish market.
What, Eda, after all this beauty you recommend a fish market?
Well, yes! The fish market of Catania (la Pescheria) is a few steps from Piazza del Duomo, and it’s not only about fish: tourists mingle with locals among the finest products of the area, wine included. The lava flows make the soil rich and fertile, and the local fruit and vegetables taste exceptional! I found it an authentic place, where you feel the true spirit of the city.
Among the most beautiful parks in Catania are the Bellini gardens, well kept and relaxing, among the finest in Italy. If you catch a fine sunny day, treat yourself to a stroll.
What to eat in Catania
Everyone knows Sicily boasts an exceptional culinary tradition, and after being in Catania I can only confirm it.
Among the things to eat in Catania you can’t miss pasta alla Norma (with fried aubergine, salted ricotta and tomato), pasta “all’arriminata”, arancine and, to finish, cannoli and ricotta sweets. My advice is to move away from the most touristy areas and look for a small, authentic trattoria, where the products are super fresh and the welcome genuine.
Practical tip: getting to Catania from the airport
A tip from someone who’s been there: to get to Catania from the airport, avoid improvised taxis and take the Alibus, the shuttle bus that connects the airport to the centre in about twenty minutes for a few euros. You’ll avoid misunderstandings about fares and reach the centre worry-free.
Aside from that, I found Catania splendid, and climbing Etna was an unforgettable experience.
And you, are you drawn more to Catania’s black lava-stone baroque or to the power of the Etna that towers over it?
