City walk through Catania
The main attractions of Catania during a city walk
Catania is the second largest city in Sicily and the charms of this black lava city at the base of Mount Etna should not be missed. A city walk through Catania offers travellers with limited time a good way to explore the main attractions and the most beautiful places in the city. Make sure you check out Castello Ursino, Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral and the black lava elephant, the Roman theatre and the lively fish market.
Small city walk through Catania
A full day in Catania offers the ideal possibility to explore the main attractions and the most beautiful places of Catania on a comfortable walk through the city. You should definitely budget half a day for the tour. On the other hand, anyone who would like to go inside some of the sights should plan on a full day in order to enjoy the city walk comfortably and free of stress.
- The tour starts at the Piazza Federico di Svevia directly in front of the Castello Ursino, the old Norman castle of Catania. Anyone arriving by car can usually find parking space on the surrounding side streets.
- Leave the Piazza Federico di Svevia at the north-eastern end and walk down the Via Auteri, past the ruins of the Roman baths, to the fish market of Catania, where you can experience the hustle and bustle of the morning hours.
- From the fish market a staircase leads directly to the Piazza del Duomo, with its many baroque buildings and the symbol of Catania, the Fontana dell'Elefante.
- Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Sant'Agata with the graves of Bellini and many Aragonese kings.
- Walk by the cathedral and turn left at the height of the church of San Placido to the Teatro Bellini, one of the most famous opera houses in Italy.
- Over the Via Antonio di Sangiuliano, after a few metres on the left-hand side, you will reach the Via Crociferi, which is lined with numerous baroque churches and convents.
- At the end of Via Crociferi, turn right onto the Via Vittorio Emanuele. After a few steps you will reach the Teatro Romano on the left-hand side. Since it is hidden behind a row of houses, you will have to pay the admission fee for a visit.
- Continue further up the Via Vittorio Emanuele until you reach the Via Quartarone with the Benedictine monastery and the church of San Nicolo on the right-hand side. A guided tour of the monastery is cheap and worth it.
- Over the Via Vittorio Emanuele you will get back to the Piazza del Duomo in the centre, where you can end the day in one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Anyone who wants to see more can extend the tour of course. Some other churches, the Villa Bellini and the Piazza Mazzini are all within walking distance to the centre and are well worth a visit. Shopping enthusiasts can spend the rest of the day in the Via Etnea, the shopping district of Catania.
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