Nestled at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania wins hearts with its baroque piazzas and extraordinary culinary scene. With the azure Ionian Sea lapping at the shore, it’s the perfect place to experience Sicilian island life. Baroque architecture, Roman ruins, tasty Bellinis, sizzling volcanoes and Sicilian spirit await you on a city break to Catania. Mount Etna is just the beginning!
The famous 19th century composer was born in Catania in 1801 and is celebrated lavishly throughout the city. See his tomb in the cathedral and his statue in Piazza Stesicoro, both of which quote his greatest operatic hits. The house where he was born has a small museum of mementos including scores, a death mask and models of scenes from his operas. And where better to enjoy the spectacle of one of his operas than in Teatro Bellini, a renowned opera house? Finally, to revive you after your pilgrimage, you’ll want to eat a plate of Pasta alla Norma, which was fashioned by Catanian chefs in honour of Bellini’s most famous creation and features a heady mix of tomato, aubergine and sheep’s milk ricotta.
flydubai operate daily flights between Dubai and Catania. Catania: Return Business Class fares start from DXB to CTA are AED 8,000 and Economy Class fares are AED 2,200. Return Business Class fares start from CTA to DXB are EUR 2,000 and Economy Class fares are EUR 550
Dive straight into the city’s bustling fish market, La Pescheria, and enjoy a taste of Catanian culture. Under the cover of red and white awnings, traders peddle fresh produce, their tables piled high with swordfish, mussels and anchovies. The sound, colour and scents are intoxicating, and this is a true working market full of traders, chefs and housewives, not simply a tourist display. You’ll find live lobsters and seafood, swordfish standing guard over a rainbow array of sardines and anchovies, glowing oranges and cedro, outsize lemons peeled and sliced for you on the spot with the sweet pith contrasting with the sharp flesh. There are sheep’s heads complete with horns, and cheeses in all shapes and sizes. Enjoy today’s catch in one of the trattorias round the edge of the market.
This attractive square is the heart of the city, with views down its main axes to Etna in the north, the Baroque quarter in the west, the sea and port to the south and the railway station and seafront to the east. The Fontana dell’Elefante, with its somewhat saggy baggy elephant carved in black lava and surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk, has been adopted as the city’s symbol. Lined with fine Baroque buildings designed by Vaccarini in the early 1700s, it’s a lovely space to enjoy a coffee, a spremuta (juice), a Sicilian pastry or an ice cream as you plan your day. Stand in Piazza del Duomo and experience the heart of Catania’s culture. Lava and limestone have formed the Unesco World Heritage Site, with grand baroque masterpieces fringing the square. Don’t miss the iconic Fontana dell’Elefante, known widely as the symbol of the city.
Despite being overwhelmed by lava and earthquakes, Catania’s Roman and Greek past bursts through its dark lava pavements to remind you of its illustrious past. There are the substantial remains of a Roman theatre in the midst of houses and streets off Via Vittorio Emanuele built on the site of a Greek theatre in the second century AD. Nearby, Roman baths built on top of a Greek thermal complex can be found at the Terme della Rotonda under a curious low dome which housed a Norman and a later Baroque church. The remains of a Roman amphitheatre take up half of Piazza Stesicoro on Via Etnea. Immerse yourself in Catania’s history at the Parco Archeologico Greco Romano. Wander the ancient ruins of a 2nd-century Roman theatre and discover how lava stone was used in its impressive architecture.
Originally built in the 11th century, Catania Cathedral was almost entirely destroyed in the 1693 Mount Etna eruption, but its baroque replacement remains an extraordinary sight. Marvel at the marble-clad façade with its Roman-style columns, then head inside and explore the ornate chapels and lavish frescoes.
It seems that you’re never far from a church in Catania, nowhere more so than in Via Crociferi with its monumental Baroque facades piling up the narrow street. While most of the interest is in the exteriors, it’s worth the admission to see the extravagantly frescoed interior or San Benedetto, revealed under grey paint following a bombing raid in 1943 and lovingly restored. From the sublime to the ridiculous, the Baroque churches come in all shapes and sizes, from the charming, curvaceous Collegiata chapel on Piazza Universita to the vast San Nicolo l’Arena, intended to be the largest church in Sicily and used as a depot for refuse lorries in the 1970s. Venture to the imposing Castello Ursino and uncover the history of the 13th-century castle. Once the city’s stronghold, the fortress is now home to an extensive collection of historical paintings and classical-era artefacts.
Embark on a day trip to Mount Etna, the most active stratovolcano in the world. Hike through the intriguing landscape and get a close up view of its smoking craters
Take your taste buds on a culinary expedition and discover the treasures of Catania’s street food. Sample the best arancini (deep-fried risotto balls) on the island at Bar Savia, wolf down cipollina (puff pastry topped with mozzarella, tomatoes and ham) at Bakery Pacini and tuck into Sicilian speciality, pasta alla norma, at Al Tortellino.
As Montalbano would tell you, there’s nothing more deeply satisfying than arancini – golden, deep fried, stuffed rice balls to fill the gap between meals – and some of the very best are available in Catania. These ‘little oranges’ made of moist risotto can be filled with pistachio, ragu, ham and provola cheese, spinach, aubergine and tomato. You’ll have to queue, order, then pay before you can make off with your fragrant booty… try not to drool too much!
Indulge in a unique shopping experience at Sicilia Outlet Village. Top Italian and international brands in over 140 shops, with discount up to 70% all year round. High fashion brands, accessories, kids’ wear, sports and leisure wear and selected food services. For a special shopping experience, book Luxury Concierge or personal shopper service at the Info Point.
