Catania Sights – Chiesa di Sant Agata
Piazza Duomo, Elephant Fountain, Fish Market, Via Etnea
The Cathedral of Catania – Il Duomo di Catania (Chiesa di Sant Agata)
The Cathedral of Catania is located at the beginning of Via Etnea on the "Piazza Duomo" with the Elephant Fountain and is a former Norman church from the 11th Century.
Later, the Cathedral was dedicated to Catania's patron of protection, Saint Agata. In 1711, began the work of Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, after an earthquake in 1693 had destroyed the Cathedral.
The present day facade is in the Sicilian Baroque style.
Piazza Duomo Catania and the Elephant Fountain in Catania
The Elephant Fountain is the secret emblem of Catania. The Elephant is made of lava stone and carries an obelisk.
Many stories entwine around the history and origins of the elephant.
The Fish Market in Catania
s a visitor of Catania, one should make sure not to miss the fish market in the center of the old town.
Here one can experience the Sicilian mentality and see the unique and turbulent market life. Whether you like fish or not, going to the market and seeing their diverse offering of marine dishes will not be something experienced everyday.
The fish market in Catania is the biggest and most well known fish market in all of Sicily.
Via Etnea in Catania – Villa Bellini and shopping in Catania
Via Etnea is the main shopping street in Catania. The road leads straight up the hill and at the end of the road, with good weather, one can see Mount Etna standing guard over Catania.
Via Etnea is packed with stores and an interesting day of shopping is guaranteed. About halfway down Via Etnea is located Villa Bellina and its fantastic park.
On a hot Sicilian day, this park provides the needed shadowed spot to recover and regain strength for further Catania sightseeing.
