Catania is a town of 296,984 inhabitants in the province of Catania, in Sicily, Italy. It is the capital of its province.
The municipality covers 180.88 km², with a density of 1,642 inhabitants per km².
The nearest airport is Catania (CTA), about 4 km away as the crow flies. Read our guide to the airport.
Things to see in Catania
Black stone at the foot of Etna
Catania, Sicily's second city, was rebuilt in Baroque style after the earthquake of 1693 using the dark lava stone of Etna, Europe's highest active volcano, which towers over it. Its late Baroque centre is part of a UNESCO site.
What to see
Piazza del Duomo with the cathedral of St Agatha and the Elephant Fountain, symbol of the city, is the heart of Catania. Next to it, the fish market is a lively spectacle every morning. Walk along Via Etnea, see the Roman theatre, the Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena, the Ursino Castle and the Bellini Theatre, named after the composer born here.
Food
Pasta alla Norma, arancini, horse meat skewers, granita with brioche and pistachio sweets from nearby Bronte.
Around Catania
Excursions to the craters of Etna, Taormina, the fishing village of Aci Castello and Aci Trezza, Syracuse and the Baroque towns of the south-east. Catania Fontanarossa is Sicily's busiest airport.
Catania on the map
Nearby towns
Where to stay in and around Catania
Tours and activities nearby
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