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Catania - sky guide
for Catania car hire
Catania’s history and fortunes have long been shaped by the presence of its powerful neighbour, Mount Etna, which has also proved to be a volatile companion.
The centre of Catania is dominated by the Piazza del Duomo, which surrounds the imposing cathedral - the baroque exterior of which is resplendent in the artwork of the Renaissance master, Vaccarini. The town’s symbol, a black elephant carrying an Egyptian obelisk in a fountain, also resides in the square. Also worth visiting are the nearby ruins of the Roman Teatro Antico and San Agata alla Fornace, where Catania’s patron saint was murdered.
A recommended way to view the city’s Sicilian delights is to walk down via Crociiferi. The renowned baroque architecture provides a feast for the senses and the walk should begin in the Piazza San Francisco. The stroll will take you past the delightful Church of San Benedetto, an old Jesuit religious complex, and numerous courtyards and buildings designed by Vaccarini.
Sicilian cuisine is justifiably famous and there is no shortage of restaurants in Catania. Stop in one to indulge in fresh olives, pasta, pizza and sparkling local wines, or take a trip to the local fish market. For shopping, go to via Etnea, which contains the city’s best selection of brand names and boutiques. For a cultural treat, see an opera production at Teatro Bellini, renowned worldwide for its famed acoustics.
Numerous excursions take you on to the slopes of the still active Mount Etna volcano, where lava fields still bubble away menacingly. Farther away is the historically fascinating island of Malta, which can be reached by ferry from Catania.
By car from Messina, take the A18 motorway south. Catania is a 10-hour train ride from Rome, with four trains arriving daily. Flights from across Italy arrive at Aeroporto Fontanarossa, seven kilometres to the south. Major links are via Palermo, Naples, and Rome.
for Catania car hire
