Best Things to Do:
Guide to Catania
"Better rise from ashes", "I rise from ashes more beautiful than before" is written on the Porta Garibaldi in Catania. This was the motto of the mythical phoenix that arose from its ashes, and it captures the history of this Sicilian city well.
Destroyed nine times by earthquakes, eruptions, invasions, it was rebuilt nine times, more beautiful each time. The Catania we see today is from the last rebuilding in 1693 when a devastating earthquake leveled it to the ground. We were in the midst of the Baroque period, the style with which almost all noble palaces and city churches were reconstructed.
Remarkably preserved since then, they now represent an architectural complex of exceptional value, so much so that Catania's historic center is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Spend a few days in Catania (just two will suffice) and enjoy these architectural wonders, but also the vibrancy of the local markets, the wild (and fiery) beauty of Etna, or the clear sea along the coast. And don't forget that the food is fantastic, with some exceptional pastries! On this page, we highlight the 10 things to see during a weekend or a vacation in Catania.