Tourist Attractions in Catania

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Catania

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Catania

Catania’s entire history has been shaped in the shadow of the formidable and majestic volcano Etna. The mountain, like an all-powerful deity, towers over the city and does not let us forget how perishable everything created by man is. Several times the city has been reduced to ruins by earthquakes, but has risen from the ashes like an immortal phoenix.

Catania is an ideal place not only for lovers of the colourful Italian countryside, but also for connoisseurs of the magnificent Baroque. Almost all of the city’s buildings are built in this manner, which makes the streets and squares give the impression of integrity and unity of style.

But it is not only Catania’s churches and palazzos that lure tourists here: gourmets rush to the main fish market, where delicious seafood is sold, and fans of ancient culture visit the museums with Roman and Greek artefacts.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Catania

Mount Etna

 4.7/5

5113 reviews

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

Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

 4.7/5

6837 reviews

The centre of city life and a place with a century of history. The square is surrounded by magnificent Baroque buildings designed by the talented master D. V. Vaccarini. Here you will find the city gates, the cathedral, the town hall and the famous Elephant Fountain, the symbol of Catania. The question of where the sculpture of this exotic animal in the middle of the city came from cannot be answered even by the natives.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

 4.7/5

6837 reviews

St Agatha is considered the patron saint of Catania. The townspeople truly believe that she protects their homes from the turbulent and formidable Etna. The first building of the temple was erected on the ruins of Roman thermae in the XI century. This building was more like a military fortress. Twice as a result of strong earthquakes the cathedral was lying in ruins. The present appearance of the building was acquired in the beginning of the XVII century. The architect D. V. Vaccarini gave it lavish Sicilian Baroque features.

Open time

Catania Fish Market

 4.6/5

6109 reviews

In the market you can buy all the sea delicacies that the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas offer to fishermen. Mussels, sea snails, prawns, squid, octopus, not to mention countless types of fish, from microscopic to giant tuna and swordfish. Fresh vegetables, olives, cheese, fruit, meat products and alcoholic beverages are also sold here.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Via Etnea

 4.6/5

467 reviews

The main street in the historic centre of the city, which runs from Piazza Duomo. The alley was created in the 17th century, when Catania was almost rebuilt from the ruins after another earthquake. On both sides of Via Etnea are picturesque Sicilian Baroque palazzos, churches and public buildings. The street is paved with cobblestones made of lava that were brought from Etna.

Via Crociferi

 4.5/5

93 reviews

The street runs along the 18th century road from Assisi’s Piazza San Francesco. The alley is decorated with historic buildings and ancient churches. As on Via Etnea, almost all the buildings were erected after the earthquake of 1693 in the Sicilian Baroque style. Many of the buildings were designed by D. V. Vaccarini. Via Crociferi is considered the architectural jewel of Catania and the whole of Sicily.

Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena

 4.7/5

1030 reviews

The abbey is located in the historical centre of Catania. Its construction is believed to have begun in the 16th century (according to another version, in the 14th). In its time, the monastery was one of the richest in Europe. Today, the complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On its territory there is a university: professors’ offices are organised in the former cells, and the churches house classrooms.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

St. Nicholas Church

 4.6/5

6542 reviews

The temple is located to the west of Piazza Dante. Its construction began in 1687, but an earthquake struck a few years later and the work was never completed. The church is unfinished, with a grandiose colonnade that does not support anything and an unfinished façade. At the same time, the interior gives the impression of completeness.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:45 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Basilica della Collegiata

 4.6/5

865 reviews

The temple is dedicated to the Madonna of Mercy. The building, or rather its main façade by S. Ittar, is one of the best examples of Sicilian Baroque. The Basilica was erected at the end of the XVII – beginning of the XVIII centuries on the site of the chapel destroyed by the earthquake. The building fits perfectly into the urban landscape, forming the architectural image of the historic centre of Catania.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 – 7:00 PM

Church of Saint Benedict

 4.6/5

214 reviews

The temple is part of a large monastery complex. It was built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style. The interior is richly decorated with valuable stone and frescoes by renowned masters. Inside there is a marble “staircase of angels”, along which there are graceful statues. The Church of St Benedetto occupies a special place among all Catania’s churches.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 2:30 – 4:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943

 4.7/5

1203 reviews

In the summer of 1943, anti-Hitler coalition troops landed on 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 the opposing armies, documents and other exhibits telling the story of the operation are displayed here.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Teatro Massimo Bellini

 4.6/5

4907 reviews

An opera house named in honour of the composer V. Bellini, a native of Catania. The construction of the theatre was conceived 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 theatre’s auditorium is painted with scenes from Bellini’s most famous works, and the front foyer is decorated with his statue. The building was built in the Baroque style.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Odeon Cinema Theater

 4.2/5

624 reviews

The Roman theatre emerged on the site of the Greek theatre in the 2nd century. The Romans not only considerably enlarged the stage, but also added an odeon for 1.5 thousand spectators. By the VI century the construction fell into disrepair. In the Middle Ages its walls, blocks and decorative elements began to be scattered for the construction of temples. As a result, the theatre was surrounded by buildings and streets were laid through it, which finally contributed to its destruction. The stage was discovered in the 19th century during excavations.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM
Friday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 4:30 – 11:30 PM

Roman Amphitheater of Catania

 4.3/5

2665 reviews

The amphitheatre was built in the 2nd century on the northern outskirts of the city. Its grandstands were designed for 15,000 spectators. After losing its original significance, it was used as a quarry for a long time. An earthquake in 1693 completed the devastation and levelled the amphitheatre to the ground. It was discovered during excavations in the 18th century. Since 1907, the ruins have been accessible to the public.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:30 – 6:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Castello Ursino

 4.3/5

10394 reviews

A 13th century medieval fortress with strong walls and towers. The fortress was once of strategic importance as it controlled the eastern coast of Sicily. Today, the bastion houses a museum with archaeological artefacts from the ancient era and a collection of Sicilian paintings. The Ursino fortress was last reconstructed in the 1930s.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:50 PM

Palazzo Biscari

 4.5/5

1968 reviews

Private mansion of the Dukes of Biscari, built in the second half of the 18th century. The building was designed by architects A. Benedetto, D. Palazzotto and F. Battaglia. The luxurious palace was designed in the Rococo style, which is characterised by the opulence and flamboyance of the interiors, as well as an incredible abundance of decoration. The interior decoration of the halls emphasises the grandeur and wealth of the Biscari family.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Orto Botanico dell'Università di Catania

 4.5/5

2646 reviews

The botanical garden belongs to the local university. It was founded in the mid-19th century by the Benedictine monk F. Tornabene. The territory of the garden is divided into two parts. In the first part exotic species from all over the world grow, the second (smaller) is reserved for representatives of the Sicilian flora. In total, more than 2,000 plant specimens have been collected here, including several dozen palm trees.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday: Closed

Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini

 4.4/5

16831 reviews

The park is located next to Via Etnea in the city centre on two symmetrical hills linked by alleys and staircases. It was named in honour of the composer Bellini. There are fountains, artificial ponds, sculptures, beautifully designed flower arrangements and other elements of landscape design. In hot weather in the park you can take refuge from the scorching sun in the shade of exotic trees.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Porto di San Giovanni li Cuti

 4.3/5

876 reviews

A rocky beach formed from solidified magma. The rocks make it difficult to enter the water, so it is not recommended for children. In the high season, for the convenience of tourists here is installed a descent into the water. The infrastructure of San Giovanni Li Kuti is rather underdeveloped. However, all the shortcomings are compensated for by the magnificent nature and picturesque views from the shore of the beach.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Etnaland

 4.6/5

12110 reviews

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 Etnaland there is an extensive shopping area and recreational facilities.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
Please re-check in future