First stop on this Italian tour: Catania.

Founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks, Catania has been a crossroads of civilizations, successively occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. These influences are reflected in its architectural heritage, where you can see Roman remains such as the ancient theater, as well as Baroque buildings rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1693.

Hikers will also appreciate the proximity of Mount Etna, but due to lack of time this is an experience I’ll put off for a future stay.

As far as I’m concerned, I’d already had the opportunity to wander around briefly on previous short trips with Olivier, but never really had the time to visit, which left me with some regrets, but that’s something I’ve now made up for.

You’ll find a summary of articles about this trip to Sicily at the bottom of the page.

• Ursino castle
• The Basilica of San Benedetto
• Piazza del Duomo
• Teatro Bellini
• Basilica of the Collegiate
• Mount Etna
• Bottom line
• The articles about this trip to Sicily

Ursino castle

It is one of the few medieval sites to have survived the many natural disasters that have struck the city, including the eruptions of Mount Etna and the devastating earthquake of 1693. Built in the 13th century, it originally served a strategic defensive function, protecting the city from invaders.

Once located by the sea, it is now landlocked due to Etna’s lava flows, which have altered the region’s topography.

Today, it houses the Museo Civico of Catania, which presents a varied collection ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to medieval and modern works of art. The museum also provides an overview of the city’s various historical periods.

Interesting for learning about the city’s past and heritage, but can be a bit cluttered.

The Basilica of San Benedetto

Located in the historic center, it is an example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, characteristic of the reconstruction that followed the earthquake of 1693. Erected in the early 18th century, it forms part of a larger monastic complex known as the Benedictine Monastery, reflecting the importance of religious orders in the city’s history and social development.

Inside, the basilica boasts a rich interior decoration, with frescoes and stuccoes by renowned local artists of the time, including Giovanni Tuccari. The ceilings and walls are covered with intricate motifs recounting biblical scenes and episodes from the lives of saints.

Really lovely and not to be missed.

Piazza del Duomo

The Piazza del Duomo is the historic and symbolic heart of Catania, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the city’s Baroque reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693. This central square is surrounded by several emblematic buildings, including the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, seat of the town council, and the Elephant fountain, which occupies a central position in the layout of the space.

Sant’Agata Cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Catania, martyred in the 3rd century. The current building, with its baroque marble facade, was rebuilt on the ruins of earlier structures destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a way to visit it. No good morning? Not the right time?

The Elephant Fountain, or “Fontana dell’Elefante”, is one of Catania’s most distinctive symbols. It was designed in 1736 by the architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, a major figure in Sicilian Baroque. The central statue, an elephant sculpted in black lava, is surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk.

According to legend, the elephant is an ancient symbol of protection for the city, believed to ward off the destructive forces of Etna.

Too bad for me, it was under construction.

Finally, there’s Catania’s town hall, the Palazzo degli Elefanti.

In any case, Piazza del Duomo is a lively place, surrounded by numerous cafés and restaurants.

Teatro Bellini

It is one of the city’s most important cultural institutions and a symbol of its rich artistic heritage. Inaugurated in 1890, the theater bears the name of the famous Catania-born composer Vincenzo Bellini, whose operas marked the history of Romantic music.

The façade, adorned with columns and sculptures, blends in with the Baroque architecture of the city, while the interior of the theater is sumptuously decorated, with frescoes, gilding and stucco details. At least, that’s what the guides say, as it can only be visited in the morning.

Too bad for me.

Basilica of the Collegiate

The Basilica della Collegiata (Collegiate Basilica), also known as Santa Maria dell’Elemosina (Our Lady of Alms), is a jewel of Baroque architecture in the heart of the city. Built in the 18th century after the devastating earthquake of 1693, it embodies the Sicilian Baroque style that marked the reconstruction of the region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mount Etna

Just because I haven’t ventured onto its slopes doesn’t mean I can avoid talking about Etna, so closely linked to Catania’s history.

With its regular eruptions and height varying between 3,300 and 3,400 metres depending on volcanic activity, it has left an indelible mark on the history of Catania and the surrounding area. Since ancient times, it has caused much destruction in the region, but remains a source of fascination. Its lava flows have profoundly altered the landscape, including the layout of Catania itself.

From a tourist point of view, hikes to the craters, accompanied by specialized guides, allow you to observe volcanic activity and the lunar landscapes created by lava flows. In winter, Etna becomes an unusual ski resort, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from its slopes.

For the less sporty, jeep or cable car excursions, as well as visits to volcanic caves, are also popular.

Bottom line

Catania is a truly surprising, multi-faceted city, and you can’t help but be struck by the contrast between the real wealth of its heritage and art and the bleak socio-economic reality of this very poor region.

The way in which the town has preserved its heritage in a complicated context, particularly due to the activity of Mount Etna, is also remarkable.

But it’s still a very pleasant, lively city that’s impossible to ignore.

The articles about this trip to Sicily

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