Catania

Catania is a Sicilian provincial capital, has 300,000 inhabitants, located on the southern slopes of Etna and overlooking the Ionian Sea. Of very ancient origins, it was founded by the Calcidesi in 729a. C, then under the Roman dominion which left numerous vestiges; In fact, the Roman theater, amphitheater and odeon are well preserved, which can be placed between the 4th and 10th centuries AD. C. The heart of the city is represented by Piazza Duomo with the baroque cathedral dedicated to Sant'Agata and the statue of the elephant, by Vaccarini, second half of the 1700s, the undisputed symbol of the city. The elephant is located in the center of the square, wedged between the underlying fountain and the upper obelisk. Perhaps of Roman origins it embodies the concept of longevity. Not far away is the theater, dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini from 1890. Do not miss the colorful and fragrant fish market, very typical and suggestive. Of particular interest is the religious complex of the Benedictines dedicated to San Nicolò, with the largest church in Sicily. Do not miss the medieval Ursino Castle, dating back to 1200, today a civic museum, once a defensive bulwark. Last mention of the wonderful Bellini garden, a green oasis with fountains, exedras and statues.