Sicily Series: Catania
Catania, Sicily
May 2019
While staying in Aci Trezza this May I had the opportunity to visit Catania, the second largest city in Sicily, twice. Once for a quick evening stroll and once for a whole day.
Getting to Catania from Aci Trezza is quite simple.
There is a bus that stops in Piazza Delle Scuole that takes you right into downtown Catania. The bus line will be linked at the bottom of the page. Using Google maps (not Apple Maps) is very helpful for planning out how to get places through public transport.
I want to share more information about the places that I visit so I'm going to start doing a fun facts section and a checklist of spots I think you should see!
Fun Facts
- Catania was founded in 729 BCE by the Chalcidians, who were from Chalcis on Euboca, a Greek Island.
- In the 5th Century the city was renamed Aetna, yep after the Volcano, by Hieron I and Dienomenes, his son. Hieron I was a ruler from Syracuse (South of Catania) who was considered a tyrant. The town regained its name once the people drove out the followers of Dionemenes and Hieron .
- Catania was one of the first towns in Sicily to fall under Roman rule in 263 BCE.
- St. Agatha is the city’s patron Saint. She was one of the Christian martyrs in the city during the persecutions of Roman rulers Decius and Diocletian. St. Agatha was a young virgin who refused the advances of a Roman prefect, and thus was tortured. So the story goes. She is celebrated every February 5th during the Feast of Sant’Agata.
- Much of the city has a dark grayish color due to the fact that much of it is built directly on dry lava.
- In 1693 CE a huge earth quake ruined much of the city, resulting in most of Catania needing to be rebuilt. Because of this the city looks more baroque, from the 18th century.
- Ancient ruins do remain, the Greek and Roman theaters are very interesting as well as the baths, aqueducts and basilica.
- In medieval and renaissance years the city changed hands many times. From the Byzantines to the Arabs to the Norman people. Then sacked by Henry VI and Frederick II. Later on it became a part of the Bourbon kingdom of Naples.
- In 1848 the island attempted to claim autonomy, but the movement was put down by force. Still a lot of Sicilians seem very independent of Italy. Many of the locals joked with me that “No, we’re not Italian. We’re Sicilian.”
- The city was victim to many pirate attacks as well as famines, epidemics and natural disasters (it IS set at the base of an active volcano).
- Catania experienced heavy bombing and fighting during WW2 in 1943. This caused severe damage to the city.
- Catania experienced heavy bombing and fighting during WW2 in 1943. This caused severe damage to the city.
- Catania is now a transportation and industrial center. It boasts one of the busiest ports in Italy. Industries are food processing, chemical and mechanical manufacturing, and (of course) fishing.
Here are some places I recommend that you visit!
La Pescheria - The fish and vegetable market. I knew that this would be an authentic Italian market, but I still wasn’t quite prepared for how overwhelming it is! Go prepared for crowds, lots of noise, as well as headless fish.
The Duomo (Baroque Church of Santa Agata), Piazza Duomo, Elephant Fountain - the centerpiece of most Italian cities, and surrounded by many other points of interest. It contains relics from the city’s patron saint, St. Agatha, as well as the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini, composer and native of Catania.
Monastero dei Benedettini di Catania - Construction of the monastery started in 1500. Now a Unesco World Heritage site. Read about the rich history of the monastery in the attached link!
Ursino Castle - castle is in great condition and hosts the civic museum. Collections of art and archeological relics.
The Church of San Nicolo - Largest church in Sicily
Birthplace of composer Vincenzo Bellini - a museum
Villa Bellini and Giardino Bellini
Via Etnea - the main street in downtown Catania
Piazza Dell’Universita
Via Crocifieri - Church Street. The San Francesco Church, San Benedetto, San Benedetto Church, San Giuliano Church, San Nicolo all’Arena Church.
Biblioteca Ursino Recupero - next to the monastery
San Berillo District - A very cute area of cafe's, wall art and small shops near where the university students hang out
Teatro Massimo Bellini and surrounding square
Roman Theatre - a Greco-Roman amphitheater from 300 BC. This interesting stop might seem tricky to find since its tucked away in between buildings but (in my opinion) very much worth the stop for those with an interest in history.
Teatro Massimo Bellini and surrounding square
Roman Theatre - a Greco-Roman amphitheater from 300 BC. This interesting stop might seem tricky to find since its tucked away in between buildings but (in my opinion) very much worth the stop for those with an interest in history.
Resources:
Train Services
Trenitalia - best for getting anywhere farther than a bus ride in Sicily or mainland Italy.
Only about a 45 minute ride from Catania to Taormina on the train.
Trenitalia - best for getting anywhere farther than a bus ride in Sicily or mainland Italy.
Only about a 45 minute ride from Catania to Taormina on the train.
Ciao,
Aleksandra
Sources:
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