📍 Italy, Catania, Sicily

Catania – lava, baroque and Sicilian flavor

Catania is the black pearl of Sicily. Baroque, volcano, and the best arancini – all under the shadow of Mount Etna.

The fiery spirit of Sicily

Catania is a city of contrasts – black lava façades, baroque churches, and lively street markets thrive here under the looming presence of Mount Etna, which has shaped the city’s fate for centuries. It’s the second largest city in Sicily, full of life day and night.

History written in fire

Founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC, Catania has been destroyed and rebuilt many times due to eruptions and earthquakes. The worst came in 1669 and 1693, after which the city was rebuilt in stunning baroque style, now listed by UNESCO.

Walking through the black heart of Sicily

Must-sees include the Piazza del Duomo with its iconic lava stone elephant fountain, the cathedral of Saint Agatha, Via Etnea with views of the volcano, and the La Pescheria fish market – a morning spectacle of sounds and smells.

How to get there?

Catania’s Fontanarossa airport offers direct low-cost flights from Poland (Warsaw, Kraków, Katowice, Wrocław) even off-season. You can reach the city center in 20 minutes by AMTS bus.

Where to park and what to eat?

Parking in the center can be tricky – use paid underground parking lots (about €1.5–2/hour). Try local specialties like arancini, pasta alla Norma, or sweet cannoli. Near the fish market, you’ll find many authentic and budget-friendly trattorias.

Fun fact – the lava elephant

Catania’s symbol – the lava elephant – is said to be a magical creature that once protected the city from Etna’s wrath. Local legend claims that if you touch its trunk, you’ll surely return one day.

Catania is loud, warm, chaotic – but full of passion, color and flavor. A perfect weekend destination or base for exploring eastern Sicily.

Posted on: 2025-05-14 📅
Italy, Catania, Sicily 📍🌍
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