A lot to see? Here are my 10 favorite sights!

1. Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square)

This is, of course, a must-see in every Italian city. Italians often refer to the Cathedral Square as “il cuore della città,” the heart of the city. There are already a few things to see here. What immediately stands out is the elephant statue in the middle of the square. The elephant is the symbol of the city. You can take a break, sit on the statue steps, and watch the life happening around the square. Right in front of the statue stands the cathedral, “il Duomo,” one of the city’s main landmarks. During mass, the doors are open, and entry is free. You can find additional opening hours posted at the entrance in case the cathedral is closed. There’s also the “Fontana dell’Amenano,” which you can see in one corner of the square. Amenano is the river that flows beneath Catania’s old town. Locals often call this fountain “Acqua e Lenzuolo,” meaning water and sheet, because the water flows from the fountain like a sheet.

Price: free
Where: Piazza Duomo

2. Via Etnea (Main Street of the Old Town)

I love walking here. Via Etnea is a beautiful baroque-style shopping street. There are plenty of shops here, but it’s also filled with evening strollers. I would recommend walking to the entrance of the city park “Villa Bellini.” As you walk along Via Etnea, you can make a stop at “Piazza Stesicoro.” There, you’ll find a statue of Vincenzo Bellini and a Roman amphitheater.

Price: free
Where: Via Etnea

3.Villa Bellini (City Park)

The city park of Catania is quite large, and the entrance is located on Via Etnea, the main street of the old town. The entrance is lovely, with mosaic stairs. At the end of the entrance steps, you’ll see the current date shaped in plants, which is updated daily. Many people come here to jog or read a book in good weather. In the center of the park, there is a small hill from which you can see the top of Mount Etna. Events and pop-up markets are often organized here.

Price: free
Where: Villa Bellini
When: 6 AM to 10 PM

4. Castello Ursino (Castle)

When locals mention Castello Ursino, they often think of grabbing a bite to eat, as there are several trattorias around the castle. This small castle once served as protection against enemies attacking from the sea. Today, there’s a museum inside, and exhibitions are often held. Even if there’s no exhibition, you can still go inside and take a tour. One of the finest landmarks in Catania.

Price: free when there are no exhibitions
Where: Piazza Federico di Svevia
When: Every day from 9 AM to 6 PM

5. Teatro Romano (Roman Theater)

A Roman theater is, of course, a must-see in any city. I’m often here because theater performances or concerts are still held outdoors. It’s relatively small compared to those in Syracuse or Taormina, but it’s still worth a visit. Be careful when looking for it; you might walk right past it without noticing the entrance. Catania has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to earthquakes, so the theater is nestled between, behind, and in front of regular buildings in the old town.

Price: €6, free on the first Sunday of every month
Where: Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 266
When: Every day from 9 AM to 6:30 PM

6. Teatro Vincenzo Bellini (Opera and Thater House)

I once attended a concert here, and I have to say I was blown away. From the outside, it doesn’t look so great, as the walls are covered in graffiti. But inside, it’s stunning. Tours are also organized here. So, if you’re in Catania, I recommend seeing a concert (if you’re there at the right time). If not, at least take a tour of the theater.

Price: €6 for the tour
Where: Piazza Vincenzo Bellini
When: Tours run Monday to Saturday at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 12:30 PM

7. La Chiesa della Badia di Sant’Agata (Church)

Want to see the city from above? This church is right next to the cathedral square. It has a similar dome to the cathedral of Catania, just smaller. This church is part of the cathedral complex but is located across the street. You can take an elevator up for the first part, but if you want to go all the way to the top, be prepared for some tight spaces. The stairs leading directly to the dome are steep and narrow. But it was definitely worth it for me. The view over the city and Mount Etna is breathtaking.

Price: €4, free for children under 10
Where: Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 182
When: Mornings – Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM; Afternoons – Wednesday to Saturday from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and Sundays from 7 PM to 8:30 PM

8. Via Crociferi (Street)

This street absolutely deserves a spot on the list of attractions. Via Crociferi is a street lined with 3 or 4 church buildings. Some of them are open to visitors, one of which serves as a convent. The nuns here only come out once a year for the feast of Saint Agatha in February. The statue of the saint is brought in front of the convent, and the nuns come out to honor her by singing. This street offers a unique atmosphere, in my opinion. At the end of the street, you’ll see the law faculty building, “Villa Cerami,” dating from the 17th/18th century.

Price: free
Where: Via Crociferi

9. Monastero dei Benedettini (Former Monastery – University Building)

In my opinion, this is the most beautiful university building I’ve ever seen. Well, I’m only familiar with German university buildings from the 1960s and 70s. This building used to be a Benedictine monastery (12th century) and is now the university building for languages, literature, and philosophy. It’s the second-largest Benedictine monastery in Europe. I highly recommend taking a tour, as it’s connected to the church next door, and with the tour, you can visit both. Beautiful halls and secret passages. One of the most remarkable sights in Catania.

Price: €8 for the tour, free without the tour
Where: Piazza Dante Alighieri 32
When: Every day from 9 AM to 5 PM

10. Lungomare (Promenade)

I’m sure many wouldn’t include Catania’s promenade on a list of attractions, but for me, it’s absolutely worth seeing! If you’re in the mood for a relaxing stroll by the sea, this is the perfect spot in Catania. A long promenade stretches along the lava coastline. You can easily reach it by metro. Get off at the “Piazza Galatea” stop, and from there, it’s a five-minute walk. The “Lungomare” starts at “Piazza Europa.” As you walk along, you’ll also have the option to sit at a café and enjoy the view.

Price: free
Where: starting at Piazza Europa