Located on Sicily’s eastern coast, at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is the island’s second largest city. This charming destination features unique Sicilian Baroque architecture, large squares, avenues and a very important port.
On the northern side of the Cathedral Square, the historical Palazzo degli Elefanti houses the Town Hall of Catania. The Elephant Fountain is the city’s symbol and the entrance to the main shopping area. Surrounded by stunning Baroque buildings, Piazza del Duomo is a popular meeting point for tourists and locals.
Dedicated to Saint Agata and built over the Roman Baths of Achilles, the Duomo has an impressive facade that is one of Gia Battista Vaccarini’s masterpieces. The cathedral’s dome dates to 1802, while in the vaulted interior is the grave of the well-known composer Vincenzo Bellini.
Facing the Ionian Sea, this beautiful seaside place is one the hottest Italian cities during the summer. Mount Etna is an active volcano and a nice place for skiing in winter or a trip to the solidified rivers of lava during the rest of the year.