-By Giusy Belfiore, Presidente Guide turistiche Catania

Catania requires a desire for discovery.

It is necessary to investigate and scrutinize behind, inside and under its buildings and squares to grasp its essence, but every effort is punctually rewarded.

A black city of lava, with an overbearing and generous light, dominated by the volcano and bordered by the sea, an industrious city by day, alive by night.

Arm yourself with curiosities and start from Piazza Duomo and its black lava Elephant to discover the Roman Baths of Achelliane, the imposing Baroque Cathedral, the monastic churches of the various religious orders and the magnificent Palazzo Biscari.

Do you like to discover a place through smells and colors and it is the gastronomic culture that attracts you? La Pescheria is the one for you: a very lively market that represents the spirit of the people of Catania.

Do not miss the Greek-Roman Theater, a gem of archeology hidden among the palaces of the center, the imposing fortress of the Ursino Castle of Frederick II of Swabia, the famous Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini, the house-museum of Giovanni Verga and The Historical Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943. 

​​All places are easily reachable with a walk in the historic center, enjoying refreshment along the way in the lively bars or in the typical kiosks that offer the iconic refreshing drinks.