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As the second largest city on the Italian Island of Sicily, Catania is an important economic hub for the country and is actually the 7th largest metropolis by area. With a population of 315,000 and a greater metropolitan population of 767,000, Catania lies on the eastern coast of Sicily directly in-between Pachino in the South and Messina in the North. This city was originally founded as a Greek colony in ancient times and since then has been part of numerous Empires and cultures including the Carthaginians, the Roman Republic, the Ostrogoths and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During the Renaissance period, Catania was one of the most influential cities in the country and was known for its rich culture, arts and history. Today, Catania maintains a huge amount of its heritage and culture and offers a plethora of interesting structures and museums such as the Basilica Sant’Agata and the Museo Civici. Furthermore, this charming Sicilian city lies in close proximity to the legendary Mount Eta and offers a great amount of different day trips and outdoor sight-seeing excursions. The best things to do in Catania: Cathedral of Catania - It is a simply beautiful structure and is a masterpiece of Norman and Baroque architecture. Located in the centre of the old town, the cathedral can be found in the self-styled Piazza Del Duomo and is in close proximity to many of the other sights. Ursino Castle - Sicily has several fine castles that serve as remnants from the period of conquest that saw the island change hands from various different ruling factions. Ursino Castle is a relic from the 13th century and was built as part of the Kingdom of Sicily by Emperor Frederick II. Today the castle stands in remarkable condition and all four of its original towers and walls still stand without damage; furthermore, remnants of the surrounding walls can also be seen in the castle grounds. Walk around the castle for some photographic opportunities, but also visit inside to see the fantastic Museo Civico which is housed within the castle walls. Mount Etna - Catania virtually sits in the shade of the immense Mount Etna, and this active stratovolcano is one of the main tourist attractions of Sicily. Mount Etna stands at a height 3329m and is considered the tallest active volcano in Europe. The most recent eruption was in 2015 and the volcano actually discharged some lava. When travelling to Catania, you cannot pass up on the chance to climb Mount Etna and witness its gaping caldera up close. Various tour operators offer day trips to the Volcano – You can choose to hike, cycle, or even ride an ATV or a jeep – The choice is yours. When at the top of Mount Etna, on a clear day the scenery is unbelievable and you are granted with fantastic views of Sicily. Piazza Del Duomo - As the main square in Catania, the Piazza Del Duomo has a great deal to offer in terms of attractions. Located in the heart of the city close to the port area, this central square is a regular gathering place for the locals and a great tourist spot. In the centre of the square is the impressive Fontana Dell’Elefante, the Fontana Dell’Amenano, Catania Cathedral and the Palazzo degli Elefanti – All fine pieces of architecture. Furthermore there is a series of cafes and restaurants with ideally situated outside seating so you can have a drink, a bite to eat, and enjoy the fine Sicilian weather. The Piazza Del Duomo is a great place to start a walking tour of Catania, and from here you are in close proximity to many of the main sights. Teatro Romano - Sicily has several Roman Theatres all of which are in fantastic condition, and the Teatro Romano in Catania is no exception. Located in-between the Benedictine Monastery and Catania Cathedral the theatre is easily accessible and is a great site to visit whilst exploring the historic centre of the city. Created in the 2nd century BC, the theatre features a main seating area and also a smaller Odeon theatre to the left hand side. The seats of the theatre and several other sections are actually created from lava taken from Mount Etna and the structure remains in fantastic condition. Giardini Bellini/Parco Maestranze - A fine public space for relaxation and enjoying nature, the Giardini Bellini and the Parco Maestranze are located to the west of the Piazza Carlo Alberto in the town centre. The Bellini garden is located at the east side of the park and contains a beautiful fountain and several flower beds. Furthermore there is an ornate bandstand and many varieties of tree. Aside from the Giardini Bellini, the Maestranze Park features a series of shaded walking trails covered by luscious forest. Lido Azzurro - One of the main stretches of beach next to Catania, the Lido Azzurro is a great place to relax, soak up the sun and have some fun. This fantastic beach is located approximately 15 minutes to the south of Catania in close proximity to the port and harbour. @Expedia @check24 @airbnb @GoPro
