An active volcano on the island of Sicily, which quite often frightens residents with its seismic activity. The last strong eruption was recorded in February 2017. The volcano has several hundred craters, from which hot lava regularly pours out, which is why the authorities are forced to close the international airport. The mountain is located near Catania and Messina.

The center of urban life and a place with a century-old history. The square is surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings, on which the talented master D. V. Vaccarini worked. Here are the city gates, the cathedral, the town hall and the famous fountain "Elephant" — the symbol of Catania. Even the indigenous people will not be able to answer the question of where the sculpture of this exotic animal came from in the middle of the city.

St. Agatha is considered the patroness of Catania. The townspeople sincerely believe that it protects their homes from the restless and formidable Etna. The first building of the temple was erected on the ruins of the Roman baths in the XI century. This building was more like a military fortress. Twice, as a result of strong earthquakes, the cathedral was in ruins. The current appearance of the building acquired at the beginning of the XVII century. Architect D. V. Vaccarini gave it the magnificent features of the Sicilian Baroque.

At the market you can buy all the sea delicacies that are presented to fishermen by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Mussels, sea snails, shrimp, squid, octopus, not to mention countless types of fish, ranging from microscopic to giant tuna and swordfish. It also sells fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, fruits, meat products and alcoholic beverages.

The main street in the historical center of the city, which stretches from the Duomo Square. The alley appeared in the XVII century, when Catania was almost restored from the ruins after another earthquake. On both sides of Via Etnea there are picturesque Sicilian Baroque palaces, churches and public buildings. The pavement of the street is lined with lava cobblestones, which were delivered from Etna.

The street runs along the road of the XVIII century, laid from Piazza San Francesco Assisi. The alley is decorated with historical buildings and ancient churches. As on Via Etnea, almost all the structures were erected after the earthquake of 1693 in the Sicilian Baroque style. D. V. Vaccarini worked on the projects of many buildings. Via Crociferi is considered the architectural jewel of Catania and the whole of Sicily.

The monastery is located in the historical center of Catania. It is believed that its construction began in the XVI century (according to another version – in the XIV). At one time, the monastery was one of the richest in Europe. Nowadays, the complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The university is located on its territory: professors' offices are organized in former cells, classrooms are located in churches.

The temple is located to the west of Dante Square. Its construction began in 1687, but an earthquake occurred a few years later and the work could not be completed. The church has come down to our days in an unfinished form with a grandiose colonnade that supports nothing, and an unpainted facade. At the same time, the interior gives the impression of completeness.

The temple is dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy. The building, or rather its main facade works with. Ittara is one of the best examples of Sicilian Baroque. The basilica was built in the late XVII – early XVIII centuries on the site of the chapel destroyed by an earthquake. The building fits perfectly into the urban landscape, forming the architectural appearance of the historical center of Catania.

The temple is part of a large monastery complex. It was built at the beginning of the XVIII century in the Baroque style. The interior is richly decorated with valuable rocks of stone and frescoed by famous masters. Inside there is a marble "staircase of angels", along which there are elegant statues. The Church of St. Benedetto occupies a special place among all the temples of Catania.

In the summer of 1943, troops of the anti-Hitler coalition landed in Sicily (strategic Operation Husky), as a result of which the island was captured and liberated from the fascist regime of Mussolini. The museum's exposition is dedicated to this landmark event. Photographs, uniforms and weapons of enemy armies, documents and other exhibits telling about the course of the operation are displayed here.

An opera stage named after the composer V. Bellini, a native of Catania. The construction of the theater was thought about at the beginning of the XIX century, but the building was erected only in 1890. The premiere production was the maestro's opera "Norma". The ceiling of the theater's auditorium is painted with scenes from Bellini's most famous works, and his statue adorns the front foyer. The building is built in the Baroque style.

The Roman theater appeared on the site of the Greek in the II century. The Romans not only significantly expanded the stage, but also attached an odeon to it for 1.5 thousand spectators. By the VI century, the building had fallen into disrepair. In the Middle Ages, its walls, blocks and decorative elements began to be pulled apart for the construction of temples. As a result, the theater was surrounded by buildings, streets were laid through it, which finally contributed to its destruction. The scene was discovered in the XIX century during excavations.

The amphitheater was built in the II century on the northern outskirts of the city. Its stands were designed for 15 thousand spectators. After the loss of its original significance, it was used for a long time as a quarry. The earthquake of 1693 completed the destructive work and leveled the amphitheater to the ground. It was discovered during excavations in the XVIII century. Since 1907, the ruins have been accessible to the public.

Medieval fortress of the XIII century with powerful walls and towers. Once the structure was of strategic importance – from here control was exercised over the eastern coast of Sicily. Today, on the territory of the bastion there is a museum with archaeological artifacts of the ancient era and a collection of Sicilian paintings. The last reconstruction of the Ursino fortress was carried out in the 1930s.

The private mansion of the Dukes of Biscari, built in the second half of the XVIII century. The architects A. Benedetto, D. Palazzotto, and F. worked on the project of the building. Battaglia. The luxurious palace is made in the Rococo style, which is distinguished by the splendor and pretentiousness of the interiors, as well as an incredible abundance of decor. The interior decoration of the halls emphasizes the greatness and wealth of the Biscari family.

The botanical garden belongs to the local university. It was founded in the middle of the XIX century by the Benedictine monk F. Tornabene. The territory of the garden is divided into two parts. Exotic species from all over the world grow in the first, the second (smaller) is reserved for representatives of the Sicilian flora. In total, more than 2 thousand plant samples have been collected here, including several dozen palm trees.

The park is located next to Via Etnea in the city center on two symmetrical hills connected by alleys and stairs. He was named after the composer Bellini. There are fountains, artificial reservoirs, sculptures, beautifully decorated flower arrangements and other elements of landscape design. In hot weather in the park, you can hide from the scorching sun in the shade of exotic trees.

A rocky beach formed from frozen magma. Because of the stones, it is quite difficult to enter the water, so the place is not recommended for children. In high season, for the convenience of tourists, a descent into the water is installed here. The infrastructure of San Giovanni Li Kuti is rather poorly developed. However, all the disadvantages are compensated by the magnificent nature and picturesque views from the shore of the beach.

A large amusement park at the very foot of Etna, created in the early 2000s. It is designed for visitors of all ages. There is a water park with different types of slides, a dinosaur park with huge models of prehistoric monsters and a special area where spectacular laser shows are held. Next to the "Ethnaland" there is an extensive shopping area and places to relax.