Last updated on November 26th, 2024.
You’ve just arrived at Catania Fontanarossa Airport for the start of your Sicily trip.
And, with just one day in Catania to spend, you’re looking for an easy guide on the city’s must-see sights.
While the city of Catania itself is pretty big, it’s possible to see the city’s top attractions in the historic center in 1 day. As long as you wake up early and plan accordingly, it’s more than doable.
Navigating Catania
We stayed in the center during our trip at the wonderful Asmundo di Gisira guesthouse. Super close to all of the city’s sights, this colorful hotel is another Catania work of art.
Truthfully speaking, outside the historic center and its main landmarks, Catania’s not that interesting. The majority of the city is mainly residential, with the local people going about their everyday lives.
But, this post focuses on Catania’s historic center, and the sights and activities you can do in 1 day. Easy, peasy and breezy, get your walking shoes on and join me on a trip around Catania.
An interesting city to add to your Italy bucket list, use this post to help plan your Italy trip.
Best things to do in one day in Catania
Walk through Porta Uzeda
Start your one day in Catania at Porta Uzeda. The stone gate’s one of the main entrances to the historic center.
Porta Uzeda connects the seminary with the archbishop’s palace and Cathedral of Saint Agatha (Cattedrale di Sant’Agata).
Upon walking through the gates, your attention is pulled in different directions. Straight ahead is the grand Piazza Duomo, with historic buildings and monuments surrounding its core.
Immediately upon entering, you’ll be greeted by walls that date to the 16th century.
Porta Uzeda was named after the Spanish viceroy, Giovanni Francesco Paceco, Duke of Uzeda. The Spanish viceroyalty in Sicily began in 1687 and lasted until 1696.
If entering Catania’s historic center from via Etnea, Porta Uzeda stands at the southern exit from Piazza Duomo. Alternatively, you can find the gate on Via Cardinale Dusmet. This tree-lined street is home to cafes, bars as well as several souvenir stalls.
Porta Uzeda, Piazza del Duomo
Enjoy the views from Palazzo dei Chierici
As mentioned above, the gate’s connected to the seminary building, Palazzo dei Chierici.
The building, dating to the 17th century, is an example of the baroque architectural style, popular of the period. Today, it’s home to the Diocesan Museum, which showcases pieces of religious arts from different eras.
While here, be sure to visit the terrace for some of the best views of Catania. The museum’s opening hours (9am-2pm) are shorter than what you might normally expect, so plan your day accordingly.
Palazzo dei Chierici, Piazza del Duomo
Step inside the Cathedral of Saint Agatha
Like many cities and towns across Italy, the cathedral of Saint Agatha is Catania’s principle Catholic place of worship. Pope Pius XI awarded the church the title of minor basilica in 1926.
Saint Agatha is also the patroness of Catania. Every year, the city celebrates the Festival of Saint Agatha from 3 to 5 February, and again on 17 August. It’s the city’s most important religious festival and public holidays with plenty of festivities in her honor.
If you travel to Catania during this period, be sure to look out for Minne di Sant’Agata, a delicious Sicilian dessert.
These small Cassata cakes resembling breasts are made especially for the festival. It’s an unusual, but meaningful, tribute to the city’s very own martyr, whose bodily parts were amputated.
Around the cathedral
The Cathedral of Saint Agatha has several notable features. Its dome, built in the 18th century, has sturdy columns and large windows that illuminate its interior. Architect, Carmelo Sciuto Patti, built the present bell tower and the dome lantern between 1867 and 1869.
The central nave is home to the impressively grand cathedral organ and the neoclassical choir stalls built in 1926.
Inside is a chapel, where an iron gate protects sculptures and religious art dedicated to Saint Agatha. Worshippers can spend as much time as they need, just at a distance.
Destruction of the cathedral
On 4 February 1169, an earthquake — also known as the Saint Agatha earthquake — caused the cathedral’s ceiling to collapse. The catastrophic disaster killed most of the people, and the archbishop leading the event, celebrating the patroness’ festivities.
Another earthquake hit Catania 5 centuries after on 11 January 1693. On this occasion, and given its overwhelming strength, the bell tower also collapsed. It was later rebuilt together with the church, along with the bell that fell during the earthquake but remained intact.
The dark stone of the city
One standout feature that you may notice when exploring Catania’s historic buildings is the presence of a dark-colored stone. This is Etna basalt, the result of solidified cooled volcanic lava.
Dark grey or black in color, the basalt was used to re-build many of the city’s destroyed buildings. As you walk around the center, count how many buildings or monuments you can spot using the darker stone.
One of the city’s top sights, the cathedral is a must see on your one day in Catania.
Cathedral of St. Agatha (Cattedrale di Sant’Agata), Piazza del Duomo
Map: activities and sights to see in one day in Catania
Admire the Elephant Fountain
At the heart of Piazza Duomo is a statue in the form of an elephant, made completely from black basalt. The Elephant Fountain (La fontana dell’Elefante) is considered the mascot of Catania and is also an important landmark.
After the 1693 earthquake, the architect, Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, was called to Catania with the task of rebuilding the city. Making use of the local lava stone, he created the obelisk; the pointed pillar on the elephant’s back.
The elephant’s commonly known as ‘u Liotru’ and is considered the emblem of the Sicilian city.
The detail is in the elephant
On the base, are 2 sculptures representing the rivers of Catania, the Simeto and the Amenano. Above is the elephant, whose trunk faces towards the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
Vaccarini restored the elephant’s rear legs, which were destroyed in the earthquake. He also added white eyes, limestone tusks and the coat of arms of Saint Agatha to complete the statue.
At the top of the obelisk is a globe, surrounded by a palm leaf, and a branch. Above this is an inscription dedicated to Saint Agatha on a metal tablet, with the abbreviation, M,S,S,H,D,E,P,L. While an English explanation doesn’t exist, sources have found its meaning in Italian.
‘Mente sana e sincera, per l’onore di Dio e per la liberazione della sua patria’. Loosely translated, the meaning is about honesty, honoring God and the freedom of the land.
The building behind the Elephant Fountain
The Elephant Fountain sits in front of the building bearing the same name. Today, it’s the home of the city’s town hall.
Building of the palace begun in 1696, three years after the 1693 earthquake. Several architects worked on completing the structure — Giovanni Battista Longobardo being the first to be commissioned. Vaccarini then came on board, designing the eastern, southern and western façades.
The building’s a fine example of not only the different architectural styles, but also of the different periods.
Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante), Piazza del Duomo
Visit the Roman Amphitheater of Catania
While Sicily is usually known for its number of Ancient Greek theaters, Catania goes slightly against the norm. The Amphitheater of Catania (Teatro Romano di Catania) is an Ancient Roman theater in the historic center.
One of the largest amphitheaters in Sicily, its appearance is said to date to the 2nd century. Researchers suggest that the amphitheater could have held around 15,000 people (seating) and double the number standing.
A theater once filled with marble-covered seats, statues and mythological figures, the theater’s an incredible site of history.
Ruins to explore
Several decorative elements, such as capitals, columns and marble ornaments were taken from the theater to use for other buildings. These features were used to construct buildings in Catania, such as the city’s cathedral.
Immediately beneath the theater is the Amenano River. Researchers say that the Romans used to collect water here to use in their games.
Twenty-one rows make up the semicircle area, known in Latin as the Cavea. The 8 stairways dividing the sections are made from the local lava stone.
During your one day in Catania, I also suggest stopping by Casa Libérti. This 19th century house, adjacent to the theater, holds all the findings made during the excavation of the site. Casa Libérti is open every day except Sundays.
Roman Theater of Catania (Teatro Romano di Catania), Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 266
Browse the goods at La Pescheria
If you like stepping into the shoes of a local when you travel, this next place is one to see.
La Pescheria is a fish market that takes place every morning — except Sundays. In true Sicilian fashion, it’s loud, lively, and a must for anyone that likes fish, and food markets.
Fish, glorious, fish — one day in Catania
Located at the southern end of Piazza Duomo, La Pescheria is a snapshot of local life unfiltered. Everyone from nonnas to glamorous Sicilian women come here to get their hands on the day’s freshest catch.
Sample the local fish and seafood for yourselves at surrounding restaurants like Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab and Osteria Antica Marina.
Instagrammer tip: From La Pescheria, walk towards Via Pardo. This street connects to Via Gisira and it’s where you can find streams of colorful umbrellas overhead.
Try the local delicacy in Catania
From 1 to 10, how adventurous are you in trying new foods when you travel?
If the answer’s 10 or above, you may be keen to sample one of the city’s specialties on your one day in Catania.
A taste of the exotic
Horse meat (carne di cavallo) in Italy is pretty common. And, while it’s not an item you’ll find on many restaurant menus, many Italians do eat it.
With a taste similar to beef, but leaner, it’s a delicacy that they serve in Catania. For the curious traveling foodies among you, head to the railway arches opposite Porta Uzeda on Via Cardinale Dusmet.
It’s here where you’ll come across several food stalls, usually manned by older Sicilian men.
Follow the sound of the sizzle of horse meat on the grill, and — if you want — try some for yourself. Come here for a no-frills eating experience, and one that’s very traditional in Catania.
See the spectacular Teatro Massimo Bellini
Unless you’re a fan of the opera, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have heard of Vincenzo Bellini.
Completed in 1890, Teatro Massimo Bellini is an opera house named in honor of its native resident.
Born in Catania, this Italian opera composer wrote several operas, including Norma and I Puritani.
Its exterior follows the classic Sicilian Baroque architectural style of the era. Similar to Teatro Massimo in Palermo, the interior has rich red furnishings running throughout. But, unlike its counterpart in Palermo, this theater didn’t feature in The Godfather movies.
Two special features give the theater a unique finish. A foyer made from marble called the ‘Ridotto’, and the ceiling painting depicting Bellini’s well-known operas.
Add Teatro Bellini to your list and add an operatic touch to your one day in Catania.
Pass by Castello Ursino
Considering it was built in the 13th century, Castello Ursino stands in pretty good condition. It was intended to be a royal castle for the Kingdom of Sicily; a ruling period in the island’s history.
Today, Castello Ursino sits in Piazza Federico di Svevia surrounded by a string of shops and restaurants. Operating as a public museum, it showcases art and artifacts from the castle, as well as beyond Catania.
Interestingly, however, the piazza wasn’t always its original location.
As a result of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, Castello Ursino moved a kilometer inland from its initial cliff-side location.
If you like the look of Castello Ursino, you may be interested to read about these haunted castles in Italy. Not only do they have spine-tingling backstories, but several are also haunted hotels.
Ursino Castle (Castello Ursino), 1, Piazza Federico di Svevia
Get sweet in Catania
On to my favorite subject: food. Generally speaking, the food culture in Sicily is awesome, diverse and incredibly tasty.
I could happily spend the rest of this post listing the best places to eat in Catania. However, with just one day to spare, chances are that you won’t have the chance to try everything.
From Piazza Duomo, continue walking down Via Etnea. Notable sights that you’ll pass along the way include University Square, San Guiliano Palace, and also Basilica della Collegiata.
Eventually, you’ll reach a park called Villa Bellini. Within the grounds are grassy green spaces, a fountain and sculptures.
Three cafes
Opposite Villa Bellini are 2 of my favorite places to eat in Catania. Pasticceria Savia has been keeping customers happy, and their bellies full, with its mouthwatering menu since 1897.
Rows of sweet and savory Sicilian treats sit behind glass counters. My suggestion? Start with the arancini al ragù, and make room for a pistachio icy granita.
Pasticceria Savia, Via Etnea 300/302/304 and Via Umberto, 1/2/4/6
What to eat in Catania
Pasticceria Spinella is right next door, also selling similar items to its neighbor. My pick is the homemade creamy gelato or the mammoth-sized pastries.
The quality, and taste, is superb, making Pasticceria Spinella a top choice for an Italian breakfast.
Pasticceria Spinella, Via Etnea, 292/298
Last on my list is Scardaci Ice Café. Primarily, the cafe’s renowned for its wide range of glorious gelato in many tantalizing flavors.
However, if your palate’s more savory than sweet, Scardaci Ice Café also sells plump arancini and perfectly-made pizzette.
Scardaci Ice Café, Via Etnea, 158
Tour its most famous resident
Hovering over the historic center — and the surrounding region — of Catania, is the mighty and marvelous Mount Etna.
Taking a tour of Mount Etna, whether at sunrise or sunset, is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Catania. Walk, hike or go by jeep, it’s up to you. Whichever mode you choose, the panoramic views of Catania and the region will be completely worthwhile.
Is Catania safe?
Generally speaking, Catania is safe to visit. I feel that it’s worth mentioning given that just outside the city is the base of the Mafia.
Saying that, it’s rare that you’ll see, or come across any suspicious Mafia dealings. However, during our visit, we did see a heavy police presence — with some carrying machine guns.
However, as with visiting any destination, keep an eye on your belongings, and stay street smart.
Did you enjoy this one day in Catania tour around the city center? Which of these sights/activities would you most like to see/do? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
How much time do you need in Catania?
You can comfortably see all of Catania’s main attractions in 1 day. If you want to spend longer in Catania, you may want to consider visiting Mount Etna which is nearby.
Is Catania Sicily worth visiting?
Catania is definitely worth visiting. The historic center is full of historical sights and striking Sicilian baroque architecture.
Which is nicer Catania or Palermo?
Both cities offer plenty of travel potential and are appealing in their own right. As the capital of Sicily, Palermo’s city center is bigger than Catania and so there are more things to see and do here. Catania is good if you just have 1 day to spend in a Sicilian city.
Catania has everything that we love Italy for and much more. The exquisite architecture and spectacular art are what we love in Italy and Catalina seems to abound in that. The lovely cathedrals are so serene and the Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house looks so grand. Above all the old world charm of the place comes across so endearingly. This is one part of Italy that we have not been to and would like to visit soon.’
It really is a quintessentially Sicilian, and with plenty to discover in 1 day or 2
This place is so beautiful and your itinerary is really helpful. Will definitely plan a trip to this place soon.
Happy to hear it!
There sure is a lot to see and do. The cathedral looks beautiful. I bet it was amazing to see in person.
Catania is always a pleasure to see in person 🙂
I have always wanted to visit Sicily but haven’t made it there yet. I looks like there is alot to do in Catania. I want to visit the castle, the theatre, the roman amphitheater and the cathedral. I cannot see myself trying the horse meat though as I love horses. It looks like a great city to explore.
It’s a really fascinating city, but I agree with you on the horse meat!
I would love to check out the fishmarket and the amphitheater. It’s really smart to use the volcanic basil to rebuild and I would love to see the elephant fountain. I’m curious why other countries don’t make use of basalt.
I think so too. It makes good use of the materials from the volcano