Catania, Sicily's second largest city, is situated amidst an impressive natural landscape. On the one side majestic Mount Etna 'rises above' this city rich in history, on the other side lies nature reserve "Oasi del Simeto".
Catania, Sicily's second largest city, is situated amidst an impressive natural landscape. On the one side majestic Mount Etna 'rises above' this city rich in history, on the other side lies nature reserve "Oasi del Simeto".
Catania, second largest town on the island of Sicily, lies amidst an impressive natural landscape. On the one side, majestic Mount Etna rises above this city rich in history; on the other side lies nature reserve "Oasi del Simeto".
Catania is vibrant with life. What you should absolutely have a closer look at when strolling through the centro storico with its artful baroque buildings: grand Piazza Duomo with its Fontana dell'Elefante, prestigious avenue Via Etnea with its elegant shops and neat café-bars, the beautiful parks and impressive Castello Ursino.
The university town has a wide range of cultural offers. Highlights might be to attend a performance at beautiful Teatro Bellini or one of the events of the Etnafest festival, which takes place from January to mid July.
They might appeal less to the intellect, but they surely appeal to your senses, the two extremely colorful markets of Catania, which are sights to see. La Pescheria, the large fish market, takes place daily near Piazza Duomo. You enjoy it most in the early morning. At Fera o Luni (Piazza Stesicoro/Corso Sicilia), locals find whatever their hearts desire, ranging from vegetables and the traditional "caffettiera" to leather goods.
Along an extensive network of paths you can discover nature reserve "Oasi del Simeto" south of Catania. Its rich avifauna includes herons, herring gulls, bee-eaters and purple swamp hens, to name just a few. Oasi del Simeto is a paradise not only for hikers, but also for riders on horseback and divers.
