Despite being a small city, there is plenty to see in Catania. This Sicilian resort boasts over 180 interesting places! Their names and descriptions in Russian can be found on the map of Catania with landmarks. Don't try to cover everything at once: if you have limited time, focus on the main attractions.
Cathedral of Saint Agatha
Saint Agatha is the patron saint of Catania. According to legend, in the 3rd century, there lived a girl named Agatha, who was renowned for her beauty. She was one of the first to embrace Christianity but faced terrible tortures for her beliefs. The ruler of the city desired her and ordered her to renounce her faith and become his wife. However, the proud beauty refused. She was thrown into a dungeon and tortured. After Agatha's death, a devastating earthquake struck the city, killing all her tormentors. The belongings of the girl became protective symbols for Catania: where her veil or shoe lay, the lava from the volcano would not reach. Since then, the locals venerate Saint Agatha and believe that she protects the city from harm.
Elephant Fountain
This is the second symbol of the city. You can find it on any map of Catania with landmarks near the City Hall. According to legend, Heliodorus, a heroic figure from Sicilian folklore, traveled through time, taking on the form of a wise and majestic elephant. The fountain in Piazza del Duomo is a monument where several Christian and pagan symbols important to the people of Catania are intertwined: the elephant, the cross, the lily, and the palm branch.
Bonajuto Chapel
One of the buildings from the Byzantine era that survived the devastating earthquakes. The foundation of the chapel sank several meters into the ground due to its age, but it is still open to visitors. Various exhibitions are often held here.
Ursino Castle
The medieval castle was built in the early 13th century. Initially, the fortress was surrounded by a wide moat, but after an earthquake, solidified lava covered it, and the area gradually began to be inhabited and filled with houses.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
The opera house is named after the famous composer Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania. It houses his museum, and the ceilings of the auditorium are adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the maestro's famous works. The theater hall is recognized as the best in the world in terms of acoustics.
You can also capture excellent memorable photos against the backdrop of Catania's landmarks such as the Amenano and Proserpina fountains, the San Giuliano Church, the Collegiate Basilica, and the Roman Amphitheater.
