🚘 Departure from Taormina, heading to the beating heart of Etna. The day starts early. The sky above Taormina is clear, the Ionian Sea glistens on the horizon, and Anna and Giuseppe are ready for a new adventure.
— "Catania awaits us!" Anna exclaims as she gets into the car with enthusiasm.
— "Yes, I read on your blog that it's a city full of life. And then... the nightlife!" Giuseppe adds, smiling.
Aboard our chauffeured car, the two travelers relax and enjoy the scenery as we approach the city that lies at the foot of Etna.
🏙️ A City Founded Twice
Upon entering Catania, we start the tour from the heart: Piazza Duomo.
— "Welcome to a city that has known destruction and rebirth many times," our driver says, "from its Greek founding in 729 BC, through the eruptions of Etna and earthquakes, to the Baroque reconstruction in the 1700s."
In the center of the square, they are greeted by the lava stone elephant, called “Liotru”, a symbol of the city. It is said to represent a magician, Eliodoro, who wanted to conquer Catania and was transformed into a statue.
— "It's fascinating how lava becomes art," Anna comments.
— "And to think that here, beneath our feet, the volcano is still pulsating," Giuseppe adds, looking at the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, dedicated to the city's patron saint, a young martyr beloved by all the people of Catania.
They enter the church and stand in silence for a few minutes. Light filters through the colorful stained-glass windows, and the organ sounds in the distance.
🏛️ Walking Between Baroque Art and Real Life
After the Duomo, we walk along Via Etnea, the backbone of Catania. It's an elegant street paved with lava stone, featuring Baroque palaces, boutiques, and historic cafes.
— "The city is lively, full of young people," Giuseppe notes.
— "Yes, and every palace tells a story. Look at that facade!" Anna exclaims, pointing to the University Palace.
We arrive in Piazza Università, where the famous four bronze candelabras tell the city's legends: Gammazita, Uzeta, Fratelli Pii, and Colapesce.
— "Gammazita… the girl who threw herself into a well to escape a French soldier," the driver recalls.
— "You should write a book about these stories!" Giuseppe jokes.
🏰 Ursino Castle and Norman Charm
The next stop is the majestic Ursino Castle, built by Frederick II in the 13th century. Once facing the sea, it is now further inland due to lava flows that changed its position.
— "To think this used to be a seaside castle," Anna says, as she looks at the powerful black stone walls.
— "Frederick II knew what he was doing: a strategic location and a spectacular view," Giuseppe adds.
Inside, the two visit the civic museum and immerse themselves in the city's medieval history.
🏛️ A Break at the Benedictine Monastery
The tour continues towards the Benedictine Monastery, one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, now home to the University of Catania.
— "Built on an artificial hill to escape eruptions," the driver explains, "it is a masterpiece of monastic architecture."
The wide corridors, elegant cloisters, and hidden gardens leave them speechless.
— "You can feel the culture here," Anna says.
— "And a certain peace, too," Giuseppe adds.
🍝 Lunch with a View and Authentic Flavors
For lunch, we choose a typical restaurant with a panoramic terrace. Arancini, pasta alla Norma, caponata, and a glass of Etna red wine.
— "One of the best pastas alla Norma I've ever eaten," Giuseppe exclaims.
— "The secret is in the eggplant and the salted ricotta," the waiter replies with a smile.
During lunch, the view of the volcano and the sea offers a spectacle that no photo can ever fully capture.
🌅 Nightlife, Art, and a Smiling Return
The afternoon concludes with a brief visit to the Roman Theatre and Via Crociferi, amidst Baroque churches and poetic corners.
But before heading back, our guests ask for one last treat: an artisan gelato from one of Catania's most famous stands.
— "Almond for me," Anna says.
— "Bronte pistachio, of course," Giuseppe replies.
On the way back, relaxed aboard our chauffeured car, Anna reflects:
— "Catania is a mosaic. Each piece is different, but all together they create an unforgettable picture."
— "And being able to experience it without the stress of traffic and parking… that’s true luxury," Giuseppe adds.
