“Reborn from ashes better than before”, this is what you will find at the entrance of Catania, a beautiful city in Sicily.
Catania is located in a highly seismic and volcanic area and has been destroyed 9 times from natural disasters and invasions and rebuilt better than before each time.
The Catania that we can see now is the one reconstructed in 1693, the beautiful architectures and the fascinating etna Vulcano always visible from the city will enchant you.
Taormina is another city near Catania that you should visit, but for now, let’s focus on the best things you can see and eat in Catania.
This city deserves a lot of attention and I am pretty sure that a big chunk of tourists visiting this place would love to move there.
Let’s start exploring Catania.
Everything can start from piazza duomo where you can find the black elephant symbol of the city of Catania and a beautiful square.
This square is very particular and you can feel the atmosphere from the north African countries in it mixed with roman style and baroque.
The interior of Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is majestic, with a Latin cross divided into three naves. Protected behind a gate is the chapel of Saint Agatha with the chamber containing the relics.
Catania is very popular for the markets, you can find them pretty much everywhere but the most important one is called “Pescheria” which is one colorful and awesome fish market.
Via Etnea is the most important and scenic street of Catania, you can see the beautiful Etna volcano and many shopping stores.
One of the things I like the most when I am in Catania is the Etna excursions. This is probably one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world.
You can go on it for free, and visit the crater if you pay for a tour. They have jeep tours or hiking tours. The view is going to be breathtaking.
Palazzo Biscari is, without a doubt, one of the buildings that best describe Catania. Luxurious, elegant, it is the emblem of the opulence that Catania has seen in past centuries.
Catania, among many other things, is also a seaside resort. Starting for 18 kilometers of coastline south of the city, passing through San Marco di Catalbiano, Praiola di Giarre, Foce Simeto, Marina di Cottone Fiumefreddo and the others there is really seawater for any taste.
The roman theatre in the city center is located between the Benedictine Monastery and Catania Cathedral.
The coolest and most awesome theater will be in a nearby city called Taormina, which is without any doubts one of the nicest cities in Sicily together with Isola Bella.
Some other monuments and museum worth a visit are:
Catania like any other city in Sicily will be able to offer you amazing food for a rather cheap price. The best food can be found on the street or in restaurants where not a lot of tourists are hanging out.
Arancini and cannoli will be available in any corner of the city but one of the most typical dishes is called Pasta Alla Norma.
A tasty pasta dish seasoned with fresh tomatoes and fried eggplants. But it would not be pasta Alla Norma without the addition of fresh basil leaves and grated salted ricotta cheese added at the end.
There is no way that you are going to be in Catania and not trying the Swordfish rolls, the fish is great and you have to try them.
Catania is also very popular the horse meat, I know that you all reading this probably don’t agree with eating horse meat, but actually if cooked correctly is one of the best meat you can eat.
Spaghetti with squid ink is also really popular, this is not a dish typical from Catania but you can find it pretty much in any city located on the beach in Italy.
If you want to check out some recipes here is a good link of these plates:
Catania is one of the nicest cities in Sicily, you must visit this city and all the cities around Catania as well if you are in Sicily.
The best thing you can do is going to visit, Taormina, Isola Bella and hike the Etna volcano.
Then get to the city center and explore every corner of this nice city walking around or renting a bicycle, Catania is also exceptional for the food and the beautiful beach.
There are many fish markets and meat markets in the city and you will always have good arancini or fresh cannoli ready to be eaten.
The city is quite cheap and you can find many attractions and beautiful places like the ones listed above to visit.
I am sure that Sicily will be impressed in your head for a long time and Catania is definitely one of these cities that will do the job.
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