Roman Theatre
The Amphitheater is a grandiose Roman structure (surpassed only by the Colosseum) which probably dates back to the 2nd century AD: it could hold up to 16,000 spectators. Today, from Piazza Stesicoro, only a part of the cavea, the edge
Palazzo Biscari
Palazzo Biscari is the most sumptuous private building in Catania, the structure, the plant and the decorations certainly represent a unique case. Built after the earthquake in 1693, thanks to the permission of the king to build on the embankment
Crociferi street
Crociferi street is one of the most monumental environments of baroque Catania. The arch of San Benedetto is located here, which according to tradition was built in a single night in 1704 by the Benedictines; the majestic church of San Benedetto (1704-13),
Ursino Castle
The Ursino Castle of Federico II made built (1239-1250) upon a promontory surrounded by the sea in order to defend the city and the port. It was the residence of the Aragonese royal family and also the residence of the Spanish viceroys. During the XVI century
The history of Catania
According to Tucidide, Katane was founded in the years 729 b.C., following Leontinoi, by the same calcidesi of Naxos. The site of the new city presented optimum conditions for a settlement: a position protected within the sea-port and a fertile
Piazza Duomo and the cathedral
The traditional center of Catania is marked by the Piazza del Duomo, the confluence point of the main roads. The pivot of the space is the Elephant Fountain, the lava emblem of the city; designed in 1736 by the architect