A full guide of Catania: culture, history and food
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A full guide of Catania: culture, history and food
Andrea Rizzo
Available for hire
At the slope of the Etna, facing pristine Mediterranean sea, appear Catania.
Situated on the eastern cost of Sicily, Catania offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Wander through its historic streets and be prepared to be struck by the rich history and Baroque architecture.
Furthermore, Sicilian food is not something that you can not skip.
Be prepared to fall in love to the deliciousness of the cannoli, arancini and more.
What will you find in this guide:
- What to do
All the most and less known landmarks in Catania with explanations and some suggestions.
- Where to eat
From having breakfast with granita and brioche, to eat some arancini, to have a proper dinner with fish or pizza, I got you covered.
- Where to party!
Whether you want to just unwind with a good wine or a nice cocktail or you want to strut your stuff on the dancefloor, you have plenty of choice.
- Where to sleep
Are you looking for some hostel options because you want to meet fellow travellers, maybe you want the comfort of an hotel or you are looking to a more posh or romantic solution, I give you a choice to where to stay.
- How to get around
You have just landed in Catania but need to know how to get yourself around, you will find some information about public transportation.
Amuninni! (Let's go!)
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What to do
Piazza Duomo and the Fountain of the Elephant
This journey starts in Piazza Duomo, the main city square of Catania.
Piazza del Duomo
@andrearizzo
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In the middle of Piazza Duomo there is "la Fontana dell'Elefante" (Fountain of the Elephant).
This striking monument features an ancient lava stone elephant, known locally as “u Liotru,” which is the city’s symbol. Atop the elephant is an Egyptian obelisk, adding a touch of historical mystique.
Fountain of the Elephant
@andrearizzo
Legend has it that many many years ago, Sicily was inhabited by small elephants and one of those send away wild animals allowing humans to found what is now Catania. As a gesture of gratitude, this statue was made.
Catanese people refer to this statue as "u' Liotru" which (according to a legend) comes from Eliodoro. This man tried to become bishop of Catania, but failed. So he decided to become a magician and it is said that it was him who built the elephant and he used to ride on it when traveling to Costantinople.
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Cathedral of Saint Agatha
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea Rizzo
Available for hire
Ciao a tutti! I'm Andrea and I am from Italy. I live in Latina, one hour away from Rome, but my origins are from Lecce province in south Italy. Whenever I have the opportunity I love to hop on a plane and explore the world. I usually travel solo, whether for pleasure or for business. I love to eat and everywhere I go I always try to eat like a local to savour better my travelling experience.
Have any questions or looking for advice? Just hit the ‘Contact Me’ button to send me a message—I’d be happy to help, no matter how big or small your query!
What's included
Digital Map
Fully interactive, digital map for finding places nearby
128 places
128 hand-picked places with notes from the creator
1 extra guide
Access to additional guides curated by the creator.
12 links
12 links from the creator to go even deeper with more info
DESTINATION(S) COVERED
Catania, Italia
Catania, CT, Italia
FOCUSES AND THEMES
50+
Accessibility
Backpacker
Business
Car-free
Couples
Digital Nomads
Family
Groups
LGBTQ+
Female Solo
Vegetarian
Architecture
Art
Budget
Boutique
Coffee
Design
Faith
Foodie
History
Luxury
Outdoors
People & Culture
Photography
Relaxation
Romantic
Shopping
Slow Travel
Sustainable/Eco
Wellness
Wine
Format
Guide
Guides typically include detailed information and how-to’s about a destination as well as suggested places to try.
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