Our trip to the triangular island of Sicily, the city of Catania, began with an adventure. Although the loss of our luggage during the transfer from Rome’s Fiumicino airport ruined our mood, the impressions we received from the charming island in the following days gave us unforgettable moments.
Catania is a port city on the shores of the blue Ionian Sea, among the black stones of frozen volcanic lava. This city is also called “the tip of the Italian boot”.
“Caspian” The newspaper prepared a report on that area.
The miracle of Etna
As you walk through the ancient streets of the city, you will be accompanied by stories about Catania’s past and present, as well as Greek myths that have become an integral part of the local culture. Although the city was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1169, it was resurrected from lava and ash during the powerful eruption of Mount Etna. It has become a city of pink almond trees, red pistachio trees, apricot orchards, paved with hardened volcanic lava and decorated with baroque architecture.
The volcano destroyed the city many times, but Catania was reborn like an emerald bird. Architecturally, Catania is one of the most unique cities in Italy, precisely because of the black volcanic stone and the color of its baroque buildings. Residents here have a complicated relationship with the largest and most active volcano in Europe.
Black sand can be seen on the streets of the city, dust can be felt in the air. However, the Italians have learned how to properly channel the lava and turn it into building material for roads and buildings.
Synonym for mafia.
Catania is rich in magnificent palaces and luxurious churches. The sounds of the orchestra that plays in the evenings in front of the Teatro Massimo Bellini can be heard throughout the city. Although the name of this port city in Sicily is mentioned as “synonymous with the mafia”, the composer Vincenzo Bellini is considered the most valuable person in this city. From the airport to the architectural examples that decorate the city, all bear the name of the famous composer. “Signor Bellini gave 11 great operas to world music,” say the proud southerners.
As in every European city, the first place to visit in Catania is the old town. The city centre is protected by UNESCO because of the contrast between the dark lava and the light sandstone on which the cathedrals and squares are built. In the centre of the square is the symbol of the city – the laughing fountain called “Fontana dell Elefante”. The inhabitants of Catania believe that it has the magical property of calming the restless Etna. The locals see Mount Etna as a living entity. Tourist companies organise excursions to Etna (60-75 euros). “Before, tourists were afraid to come here. After all, when you think of Sicily, the first thing that comes to mind is the mafia. But later, tourists from all over the world saw that there is more history, culture and warm people on the island. Now these places are full of tourists, especially in summer,” reports a local resident.
Fertile island soil
To get acquainted with the way of life of local Italians, it is necessary to visit the historic market. We also have the opportunity to taste fruits and vegetables, homemade cheeses and other foods, wines and fish varieties that we have never found at the market. “The soil of the island is fertile,” say the local Italians: “A raging volcano destroys a village once every 150 years. But people do not leave Etna because, thanks to it, the local soil is incredibly fertile. This forces the inhabitants of Catania to settle here again and again. The most delicious vegetables and fruits of Sicily grow near Catania. That is why they call Catania “Daughter of Etna”.
In the labyrinths of Catania you will find cafés at every turn. The price of pizza, spaghetti and paninis with the freshest ingredients varies from 10 to 25 euros.
In July-August, discounts in shops make shopping a fun adventure for tourists. Many people escape the scorching heat of the Sicilian sun and spend time in the shops.
The beaches of Catania are a favourite holiday spot for tourists with their crystal-clear, emerald-coloured waters.
A city where people are not in a hurry
Southerners are cheerful, loud and sociable people. They like to talk more. Even if the person in front of you doesn’t speak Italian, after a little communication he or she speaks like an old acquaintance.
At dusk, local residents gather on the seashore. Watching them is a special pleasure. Several generations meet here: children run around, young people hold hands and chat, older people play cards, walk their dogs, fish. In this city, people are not in a hurry. But after the arrival of immigrants, as in other cities, in Catania and its surroundings there has been an increase in cases such as theft and littering in the streets.
Tourists follow the trail of the Carleone family
There is no metro in Catania. But the timetable for intra-city and suburban transport (buses and trains) is perfectly established. Experienced tourists also take advantage of this opportunity and easily include in their travel itinerary charming towns such as Taormina, Syracuse and Messina, near Catania.
Taormina is the legendary resort town of the island. The “Beauty of Sicily” also enchants us. The town with a history of three thousand years is considered the miniature history of Sicily, the place where the heart of art has been beating for centuries. Taormina is called in some sources “the pearl of the Mediterranean”. The filming of the world-famous movie “The Godfather” took place in Taormina and its surroundings. Here tourists follow in the footsteps of the Carleone family.
Syracuse is a historic city in Sicily. Greek historians called it “the greatest Greek city”. It was the capital of Sicily until the Arabs conquered the island.
In 2005, UNESCO included the entire city on the World Heritage List. The great scientist Archimedes was also born here.
Messina is the largest port on the island. It is also called the “gateway to the sea” of Sicily. It is said that the mythical heroes of Homer lived in this city, and the legendary Odysseus swam in these waters. Destroyed by a terrible tsunami in 1908, damaged by American bombings in 1943 and damaged by an earthquake, the city today fascinates its visitors by combining history and modernity.
