1.) Visit Palazzo Biscari<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Best](\"https:\/\/handluggageonly.co.uk\/2022\/11\/03\/11-very-best-things-to-do-in-catania-sicily\/\")
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The private palace of Biscari is one stunning spot to see whilst visiting Catania. You see, way back in the 1600s, the Prince of Biscari was given the right to build a gorgeous palace after a devastating earthquake.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, it still stands tall in the city and is well worth taking a guided tour to take a peek inside. Not only is it one of the largest palaces in the city, but in my opinion, it\u2019s one of the grandest.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whilst on a guided tour, take a peek at the gorgeous courtyard before heading to see the grand hall, hand-painted frescos and the most beautiful staircase. Honestly, this place is a gem to explore.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0Now, I won\u2019t spoil the surprise by popping in a photo of the interiors (it\u2019s really that gorgeous), so make sure to head over once you arrive in Sicily.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily<\/strong><\/p>\n2.) Take a Trip to Castello Ursino<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Built way back in the 1200s, out of lava stone, visiting Castello Ursino is one of the best things to do in Catania if you want to explore the city\u2019s long history.<\/p>\n
Yes, it might not be a baroque building that is so famous in Sicily, but Castello Ursino pre-dates these designs and houses so much to see. It literally dates back to the middle ages.<\/p>\n
Now, I kind of felt that Castello Ursino was more impressive from the outside (if I\u2019m honest). But don\u2019t let that put you off heading inside \u2013 it\u2019s worth seeing the various artworks, paintings and sculptures that now call the castle home.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3.) Go to Monastery of San Nicol\u00f2 l\u2019Arena<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The Monastery of San Nicol\u00f2 l\u2019Arena might not seem like an obvious choice for a place to visit but trust me here. If you want to know more about the history of Catania, then you\u2019ll want to come here.<\/p>\n
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Now, guided tours happen on most days and they typically last around 75-minutes. Though, always check the times they operate and be aware that if you want an English tour, then you\u2019ll want to visit at around 1 pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Finally, to book a tour, head to their website where you\u2019ll be able to pop an email over to the team and secure your place.\u00a0<\/p>\n
4.) See the Greek-Roman Theatre(s)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Constructed out of rocks provided by the nearby Mount Etna, the Roman Theater of Catania is one epic part of the city to see whilst strolling around.<\/p>\n
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Yes, you will need to pay a small entrance fee to have a nosey around the site but it\u2019s well worth it.<\/p>\n
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With thousands of years of history, it\u2019s the kind of place where you can learn more about the Roman empire and its building techniques.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Visits will only last around 25-minutes and it\u2019s really easy to squeeze into a trip.\u00a0<\/p>\n
5.) Take a trip to Mount Etna<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Yeah, I know, Mount Etna isn\u2019t Catania \u2013 but hear me out!\u00a0<\/p>\n
Remember I mentioned that Cantania is sometimes considered a gateway to wider Sicily? Well, this is one of the times when that rings true.\u00a0Visiting Mount Etna is easily one of the best things to do in Catania if you\u2019re looking for a day trip away from the bustling streets.<\/p>\n
Now, one of the best ways we found to do this is by booking this Mount Etna tour that departs from Catania itself. Not only will you get picked up from Catania, but you\u2019ll head high up, near the summit of Mount Etna in a 4\u00d74 or small bus \u2013 all with a qualified guide.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Best of all, this Mount Etna tour will provide a tipple of local wines from the region, too. After all, the terroir is so good around here.\u00a0<\/p>\n
That being said, if you fancy hiking, be warned it\u2019s a 3,300-meter hike and is pretty arduous. Also, don\u2019t forget that Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in Europe \u2013 so always go with a guide.<\/p>\n
6.) See the Gates of Porta Garibaldi<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Porta Garibaldi dates way back to the 1700s when it was constructed as a triumphal arch in the very centre of Catania. To this day, you can walk through the gates and witness one of the best celebratory gates in Italy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You see, Porta Garibaldi was constructed to celebrate the marriage of the Bourbon king and royalty from Austria. I mean, that\u2019s some wedding gift, right?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anyway, it\u2019s really easy to see and well worth taking a close gander at the statues and artistry on the gate itself. I don\u2019t understand Latin but someone did say that there\u2019s a quote around Catania rising up. Apparently, it\u2019s in connection to the constant rebuilding of Cantania due to tectonic activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Afterwards, take some time to visit the markets and wander through the daily stalls that line the streets past Fontana dell\u2019Amenano and around Porta Uzeda.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily<\/strong><\/p>\n7.) Visit Catania Cathedral<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Okay, so Catania Cathedral is probably the most beautiful structure in the city and one spot you won\u2019t want to miss.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Best of all, it\u2019s located right in the historic centre of Catania, making it really easy to visit on most days of the week.\u00a0Once here, be sure to look out for the Norman apses that date back almost 1000 years. Oh, and take a peek at the stunning nave, too.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Totally free to enter, visiting is one of the best things to do in Catania whilst you walk around the city.<\/p>\n
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Just be aware, there are services that go on throughout the year here. This means you might rock up and find the church closed to sightseers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily<\/strong><\/p>\n8.) Go to Giardini Bellini<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The oldest of all the parks in Catania, Giardini Bellini is well worth going for a stroll on a warm day.<\/p>\n
Not only are the grounds totally gorgeous, but the garden also has the most ornate stone flooring to the higher points. It\u2019s so intricate and it\u2019s always stuck in my memory.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One thing to remember is Catania can get very hot and that the Sicilian sun is strong. Wear a hat and take sunblock with you \u2013 the Italian sun is no joke!\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Afterwards, take a stroll to Basilica della Collegiata and take in another one of Catania\u2019s beautiful churches to see.\u00a0<\/p>\n
9.) Head over to Castello di Aci<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Not too far away from the centre of Catania is Castello di Aci. It\u2019s about a 15-minute drive and well worth visiting for its long history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, Castello di Aci sits on a pretty dramatic cliffside that overlooks the seas surrounding Sicily itself. The views are incredible.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yes, you\u2019ll pay a small entry fee to gain access to Castello di Aci but it\u2019s totally worth it. Once inside, you\u2019ll get to wander around the small museum and check out the grounds themselves. We loved it.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Afterwards, hop on back to the centre of Catania and check out Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab.<\/p>\n
We had the best calamari and local fried fish. Served as street food, it\u2019s got a few seats outside and all are served in a paper cone. It was all so good.\u00a0<\/p>\n
10.) Spot the Fountain of the Elephant<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
The symbol of the city, seeing the Fountain of the Elephant is one of the best things to do in Catania. In fact, it\u2019s hard to miss when you\u2019re in the historic centre.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Built almost 300 years ago, it was created by the renowned Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. To this day, it\u2019s said that the Fountain of the Elephant is one of the protectors of Catania \u2013 from the brut force of an erupting Mount Etna.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Read more: Best things to do in Sicily<\/strong><\/p>\n\n15 Very Best Places In Sicily To Visit<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n