Catania | Italy

Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily and the capital of its metropolitan area. It is situated on the Ionian coast at the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. The city’s identity and urban fabric are defined by its relationship with the volcano and its reconstruction following the 1693 earthquake.

Historical Timeline

Founded as Katane by Greek colonists in 729 BC, it became a significant Roman city. It was conquered by the Arabs, Normans, and Swabians before coming under Spanish rule. Two catastrophic events shaped modern Catania: the 1669 lava flow, which reached the city walls, and the 1693 earthquake, which leveled the city. The subsequent rebuilding created the current "Catanese Baroque" style, utilizing black volcanic basalt and white limestone.

Demographics & Population

As of 2026, the city population is approximately 312,000, with a metropolitan area of over 1.1 million. The demographic is predominantly Italian, with an international population (approx. 6%) mainly from Sri Lanka, Romania, and China. The median age is 43.8 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

Centro Storico: A UNESCO World Heritage site centered on Piazza del Duomo, characterized by wide, straight boulevards designed to mitigate future earthquake damage.

Via Etnea: The city's main artery, running 3 km from the Duomo toward the volcano, lined with shops and baroque palaces.

San Berillo: A historic district currently undergoing urban regeneration after decades of decay.

La Civita: The old maritime district, now housing galleries and luxury lofts.

Librino: A southern peripheral district characterized by social housing and high marginalization.

Top City Landmarks

Catania Cathedral (Duomo): Dedicated to St. Agatha, featuring a baroque facade and the tomb of composer Vincenzo Bellini.

Fontana dell'Elefante: The symbol of the city, an ancient basalt elephant statue (Liotru) topped by an Egyptian obelisk.

Castello Ursino: A 13th-century fortress that was originally coastal but was moved inland by the 1669 lava flow.

Monastero dei Benedettini: One of the largest Benedictine monasteries in Europe, now a university department.

Teatro Romano: A well-preserved ancient Roman theater located in the heart of the city.

Transportation Network

Public transit is managed by AMTS (buses) and FCE (the Catania Metro, currently expanding). Taxis are white; the primary app is itTaxi. The Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the busiest in Sicily, located 5 km south. The Circumetnea railway provides a scenic route around the base of Mount Etna.

Safety & "Red Zones"

Catania is generally safe for tourism, but petty crime (pickpocketing and bag-snatching) is higher than in northern Italy. The Librino and San Cristoforo districts are considered "red zones" due to organized crime and social issues; these should be strictly avoided. Use caution in the Piazza Giovanni XXIII (Central Station) area late at night.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average fixed broadband speed is 180 Mbps. 5G is universal via TIM and Vodafone. Catania is known as the "Etna Valley" due to its concentration of semiconductor and tech firms (e.g., STMicroelectronics). Card acceptance is high, but cash is required for the markets.

Climate & Air Quality

The climate is Mediterranean. Summers are among the hottest in Italy (22°C to 35°C, often exceeding 42°C). Winters are very mild (8°C to 15°C). Air quality is generally high, though the city is frequently covered in volcanic ash (cenere vulcanica) following Etna's eruptions, which can disrupt air travel and road safety.

Culture & Social Norms

Language: Italian and the Catanese dialect.

Gastronomy: Signature dishes include Pasta alla Norma (named after Bellini's opera) and Arancini (conical-shaped in Catania).

Agatha Festival: One of the world's largest religious processions (February 3–5).

The Markets: La Pescheria (fish market) and Fera 'o Luni are essential, high-energy cultural experiences.

Local Cost Index

1 Espresso: €0.90–€1.10

1 Arancino: €2.50–€3.50

1 Standard Lunch: €12.00–€18.00

Nearby Day Trips

Mount Etna (30 km): High-altitude craters and lava fields accessible via Rifugio Sapienza.

Taormina (55 km): An upscale hilltop resort town with a Greek theater.

Aci Castello & Aci Trezza (10 km): Coastal villages known for the "Cyclopean Isles" basalt formations.

Facts & Legends

Legend says the brothers Anapias and Amphinomus saved their parents from an Etna eruption, and the lava parted to let them through, becoming the symbol of filial piety. A verified historical fact: The University of Catania (1434) is the oldest university in Sicily.