A few words about Catania

Catania is Sicily's second largest city and capital of the province of the same name. It lies on the island's east coast between Messina and Siracusa, at the foot of the Etna volcano, and has a population of about 306,000. Due to its proximity to Etna, it has been damaged repeatedly by lava and earthquakes (the town was buried by the lava as many as seven times). A disastrous eruption in 1669 was followed by a violent earthquake in 1693.

Although it is not the most popular tourist destination in Cicily, Catania is worth a visit not only as a starting point for Etna but also because of its pleasant Baroque air, and a few historical sites. It is more industrial, cleaner and more orderly than Palermo, and visitors are enchanted by the authentic hospitality of its people.

Catania was colonized by the Chalcidians from Naxos in 729 B.C. In 263 AD it was conquered by the Romans and a period of prosperity ensued thanks to the brisk trade over sea. During the Middle Ages Catania was an important harbour, although less prominent than its eternal rival, Messina. It was ruled by the Normans, the Swabian dynasty and the Aragonese dynasty. An earthquake in 1169 nearly destroyed the city, and then it was slowly and gradually rebuilt.

Two Roman amphitheatres have been preserved in Catania. The smaller one was built over an earlier Greek theatre and seated up to 6000 spectators, while the larger one (2nd c.) could accommodate as many as 14,000.

Ursino Castle was once a coastal fortress before the volcano eruptions changed the coastline. Built by Richard de Lentina in the 13th c. on the orders of Emperor Frederick II, it served as residence of the Aragoneses in the 14th c., was badly damaged by the eruption in 1699 and the earthquakes in 1693 and 1818, underwent restoration, was temporarily used as a prison, and is today a museum featuring interesting mosaics, paintings and sculptures, as well as a valuable collection of ivory and bronze items. The building is square in plan, with semicircular towers in the middle of each wall. The Swaboan coat-of-arms stands above the entrance.

The construction of Catania's Cathedral (Duomo) began in 1092. Baroque and Neo-Classical elements were added over the following centuries as it was rebuilt several times. The tombs of the Aragonese kings can still be seen there. Other important churches in Catania include St. Nicholas (with the Benedictine monastery), S. Maria di Gesu (15th c.), and the chapel of Catania's patron saint St. Agatha, martyred there in the 3rd century.

The streets and palaces of Catania bear a striking architectural resemblance with Naples. Many noble families from all over Eastern Sicily built palaces in the city in the 18th c., and these are largely responsible for the city's Baroque splendour.

Vincenzo Bellini was born in Catania. His house is today a museum. So is the house of writer Giovanni Verga, another illustrious Catanian.

Via Etnea is the main shopping street. Worth visiting are also the two large street markets.

The fertile land around Catania produces citruses, fruits, vegetables and cereals. The vast pastures are favourable for sheep and goat breeding. Local cuisine relies heavily on olive oil, fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, eggplant, and seafood (swordfish, sardines, cuttlefish). Lamb and goat are widely used. The desserts are simply divine: pastries filled with creamy ricotta cheese, marzipan and, of course, ice cream in an incredible range of tastes. Wine making traditions in Sicily date back to the times of Greek colonization. The island produces excellent Marsala (a fragrant fortified wine with about 29% alcohol content), Zibibbo, Malvasia, Muscatel, Nero d'Avola, liqueurs and grappa.