Things to do near Country of Catania Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Catania - Streets and Squares

Piazza del Duomo

Beautiful square and pedestrian promenade overlooking the cathedral, the palace of the Senate, Etnea Street, the fountain of the Elephant and the Amenano fountain.

Catania - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale di Sant’Agata

Majestic baroque church, rebuilt in the '800. The bell tower was built a century later. Inside are the tombs of the kings of Aragon, the Chapel of St. Agatha and numerous works of art.

Catania - Archaeological Sites

Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano

The Greek-Roman Archaeological Park of Catania, was established by the Sicilian Region, and deals with research, maintenance, enhancement and use of about a hundred archaeological sites and monuments, as well as the protection of several thousand finds.

Catania - Archaeological Sites

Teatro Romano

Also in the city center, in piazza S. Francis, this testimony of Roman culture, could accommodate 5,000 visitors. Nearby is the Odeon, a smaller theater that was, it seems, used for testing.

Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Ursino

Imposing Aragonese castle of the '300 that today houses the Museo Civico.

Catania - Archaeological Sites

Anfiteatro Romano

Could hold 15,000 spectators and was one of the largest theaters after the Colosseum. There were also real naval battles, filling the arena with water.

Catania - Theaters

Teatro Massimo Bellini

'900 Beautiful theater with a beautiful room for three thousand seats and superb acoustics.

Catania - Museums

Museo di Zoologia dell'Università di Catania

Santa Venerina - Museums

Museo Artium

"Artium" representa un lugar donde se conservan las tradiciones ligadas a las artes y oficios de antaño que, además de tener un importante valor histórico, cultural y etnoantropológico, hunde sus raíces en las habilidades manuales del mundo artesanal que han caracterizado la tierra de Sicilia a lo largo de los siglos. Las salas subdivididas por temas como en los antiguos talleres artesanales albergan, además de las herramientas típicas, una colección de obras pintadas sobre el tema de la "Antigua Artesanía" creadas y narradas por las hábiles manos de la artista Grazia Trovato en un ciclo que enriquece la reconstrucción de la artesanía tradicional siciliana.

Catania - Fountains

Fontana dell’Amenano

On Piazza del Duomo, opposite the Palace of the Elephants. In white Carrara marble, represent the river Amenano in the figure of the young boy pouring water. The water of the fountain ends up in the river that runs beneath the city.

Adrano - Museums

Museo Archeologico

The Archaeological Museum is located inside the Norman Castle, symbol of the city, construction of the fourteenth century. In the Museum there are archaeological materials of Adrano, dating from the Neolithic age to the Middle Ages. In addition to these findings, the Museum also houses a rich library of historical collections - artistic and ethno-anthropological.

Aci Castello - Museums

Museo Civico, Castello Normano

The Civic Museum is located inside the Norman Castle, of Aci Castello, which was built in the eleventh century. The museum is divided into three sections that are those: mineralogical, paleontological and archaeological. Fossils dating back to 150 million years ago can be admired in one of the sections. Another feature of the museum is the botanical garden in which succulents are grown.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Cattedrale Chiesa dell'Annunziata

The Cathedral was built in 1872. Before it became a cathedral, it was a church. It took its name from the altar dedicated to the Virgin Annunziata. The Corinthian settlers and the great Baroque portal make this cathedral a unitary complex. The most beautiful part of the cathedral's composite is the above Baroque newsstand with statues.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Basilica Santi Pietro e Paolo

The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was built in 1550 in Baroque style and with a single nave interior. The 1693 earthquake damaged the building, making the walls unsafe. The restoration ended in 1740 creating three alternative doors to binate columns in addition to the white stone facade. The paintings that can be found inside belong to Giacinto Platania, to Matteo Ragonisi as well as to other artists. The basilica is very well known for two sculptures, the Christ at the column and the dead Christ.

Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo di città

The Palazzo di Città is the monument of Acireale, represents the architectural quality over 200m of extension in Baroque style. The façade is made elegant by the sculptures, which are the elements saved from the original construction. Above the portal of the building you can see the national coat of arms of the municipality. Since 1833, the palace has become the official seat of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Zealans and Daphnics.

Acireale - Monuments

Basilica di S. Sebastiano

The Basilica of San Sebastiano was completed in 1644. The façade is built in Baroque style preceded by a balustrade crowned with statues. Inside you can visit the frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta and also the eighteenth-century danger for the procession of the saint.

Acireale - Beaches

Spiaggia di Porticciolo Stazzo

Castiglione di Sicilia - Churches and places of worship

Cuba bizantina di Santa Domenica

Santa Domenica Cuba is a small church built between the 7th and 9th centuries. The chapel has a very special structure with cubic shapes. During the restorations, two skeletons were found that testify to the presence of a cemetery. From 31 August 1909 the basilica was considered a national monument.

Caltagirone - Parks and nature reserves

Giardino Pubblico

The Public Garden of Caltagirone was built during the nineteenth century by the engineer Luigi Spagna and subsequently expanded by Michele Fragapane and modified by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. It is due to the latter the construction of the Music stage and the numerous consolidation works. The complex consists of three main parts among which the parterre and the large panoramic terrace stand out.

Caltagirone - Monuments

Scalinata Santa Maria del Monte

The Staircase Santa Maria del Monte di Caltagirone was built in 1606 with the intent of connecting the ancient part of the city with the new upper part. The structure is over 130 meters long and since 1954 has been presenting decorations in the elevations of the steps and ceramic tiles by the Caltagironesi Artisanal Majolica. The staircase is illuminated during 24 and 25 July for the feast of St. James, patron saint of the city.

Caltagirone - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Caltagirone

The Castle of Caltagirone is located in the present ancient part of the homonymous city and was most likely built around the 12th-13th century. In fact, from documents dating back to 1239, the fortress is defined as the state property that is included in the number of castra exempta. Unfortunately, in 1256, the structure was damaged by the Manfredi and only the tower remained of the Castle. We proceeded to the construction of a room and a room annexed to the tower itself, but unfortunately, from documents dating back to the twentieth century, it is evident that only a few remains remain of the Castle.

Calatabiano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Antico Diroccato

The Old Castle Diroccato di Calatabiano is located in the homonymous town. It is one of the most important buildings in the area and has an ancient history. In fact, it dates back to 902 and was built by the Arabs after the conquest of the city of Taormina. The purpose was to defence and military. Currently, only a few parts have been received, especially the tower and the ruins.

Adrano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Adrano

Built in the 11th century by Count Ruggero, it is one of the symbols of the city. What catches the eye is the Islamic style of the building, which is perceived in the main entrance and in the interior. It rises 33 meters long for 4 floors, the walls are 2.3-2.6 meters thick. The castle was abandoned after the 1600s earthquake that destroyed its interior. Over the centuries, it has been transformed having assumed several roles as the residence of noble families, as the seat of a prison then from 1958 to the present day and Museum.

Acireale - Walls, towers and gates

Torre Santa Tecla

The Tower of Santa Tecla is located in the homonymous hamlet in Acireale. It is a small tower of only 3 meters per side, with a square plan in the shape of a parallelepiped. The building was built of irregular lava stone bonded with mortar. The northern part is characterized by the presence of two louvers. The front door, on the other hand, was created along the eastern wall. Today it is in excellent condition.

Aci Castello - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Aci

The Castle of Aci was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, for reasons of defense. Inside the building there is a Museum, which is divided into three sections, that of mineralogy, paleontology and archaeology. The ancient castle is located near the sea and offers a beautiful view.

Zafferana Etnea - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Santa Maria della Provvidenza

The Church of Santa Maria della Providence was built in 1731, at the behest of the Dean of the Collegiate Basilica of Catania, Francesco Gagliano. It represents the Mother Church of Zafferana Etnea, as well as the most important monument of this city. Over the centuries, the property suffered several damage as a result of the earthquakes that occurred in 1818 and 1984. Thanks to the restoration works today we can admire the splendor of the building in its ancient form.

Zafferana Etnea - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Municipale

The Municipal Palace was built in the late 19th century in a beautiful Art Nouveau style. After being made unusable by the 1984 earthquake, the building was restored and restored to its former glory.

Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Mongialino

The Mongialino Castle dates back to the twelfth century and is one of the most particular castles in the area for its structure. In fact, it consists of a circular donjon and a wall of irregular shape. This building was donated by Bartolomeo de Lucy to his daughter. Nowadays, there are only parts of the whole building left.

Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello di Serravalle

The Castle of Serravalle was built around the 14th century. It was built on Poggio Pizzuto, because it had the function of defending and protecting the southern part of Catania from attacks. Nowadays it is privately owned and is in good condition.

Catania - Theaters

Teatro Stabile di Catania

it is one of the most important cultural buildings of the town. It has three rooms: the Teatro Giovanni Verga (the main hall), the Teatro Angelo Musco and the Teatro Ambasciatori, offering the public a wide range of shows, in part self-produced.

Catania - Museums

Museo del Giocattolo

In the halls of Palazzo Bruca are exposed different toys for composition and origin, dating back to the '800 and the first half of the '900. There are several rooms dedicated to children's workshops, where performances and games are hosted.

Catania - Museums

Museo Civico Belliniano

In the Palazzo Gravina-Cruylas, the birthplace of Vincenzo Bellini, the five rooms are filled with memorabilia that trace the life of Bellini and his family, paintings, books, music sheets, musical instruments and the composer's death mask.

Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo degli Elefanti

A beautiful palace, the city hall on the Piazza del Duomo.

Catania - Fountains

Fontana dell’Elefante

Represents the symbol of the city 'U Liotru'. The black elephant carries on its back a white obelisk. We find the animal in the arms of cities and universities.

Catania - Fountains

Fontana di Proserpina

The fountain was built at the beginning of the 20th century, designed by Giulio Moschetti. The monument represents one of the most famous myths in the area, the rat of Proserpina, whose legend is linked to the history of the city.

Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Biscari

Palazzo Biscari is one of the most important private buildings in Catania. It represents a unique case, for the structure, the plant and the decorations. It was built at the request of the Paterno Castello family, princes of Biscari from the end of 600`. Inside the building, there is the “party hall”, in the Rococo style, decorated with mirrors and frescoes.

Catania - Beaches

Spiaggia di Foce Simeto

Acireale - Lighthouses and observation points

Torre Sant' Anna (faro)

The Tower of Sant'Anna dates back to the 16th century and the work on its construction lasted twenty years. It is located in Capo Mulini and was built to fortify the coast. Later, in 1868, the tower of Sant'Anna was transformed into a lighthouse. There was a guard body with the task of alerting the approach of racking ships. Today it remains a sighting beacon.

Caltagirone - Museums

Museo Civico e Pinacoteca "L. Sturzo"

The Civic Museum and the Art Gallery “L. Sturzo” were established in 1914 at the headquarters of the eighteenth-century Bourbon Prison. A first collection was made by the scientist and humanist Emanuele Taranto Rosso through the Cabinet of Archaeology and Natural History, established in 1843. The Art Gallery presents artistic works before the 16th century and among all stands out the canvas “Jesus in the vegetable garden” by Epifanio Rossi.

Caltagirone - Museums

Galleria Civica d'Arte Contemporanea

The Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art was founded in 1996 with the intent to welcome the donation of the collection of works by the well-known artist Gianni Ballarò at the behest of his wife Carmela Pasqualino. Added to this an anthological exhibition of the contemporary works of the Civic Museums of Caltagirone.

Caltagirone - Museums

Mostra dei Pupi Siciliani

The Sicilian Pupi Exhibition originates from the animator Don Gaetano Russo who with the Compagnia dei Pupi performed since 1981 in Caltagirone. About fifty pupi belonging to the Catania school are exhibited, distinguished by those from Palermo for their size and for the different handling techniques. The exhibition is also enriched by the exhibition of cart keys and historical texts.

Caltagirone - Museums

Museo Regionale della Ceramica

The Regional Museum of Ceramics was inaugurated in 1965 and collects about 2500 finds of ceramics made in Sicily since prehistory. The museum site is divided into six sections and provides an educational service with the use of multimedia and audiovisual devices.

Calatabiano - Beaches

Spiaggia San Marco

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia - Beaches

Spiaggia Marina di Cottone

Catania - Churches and places of worship

Sito Storico Monastero San Benedetto

It’ s possible to visit some amazing areas of the Benedictine cloistered Convent, the ruins of a roman domus recently found in its subsoil, the Church of Saint Benedict and its entrance: the stairs of the Angels. All this represents one of the most important baroque monumental complex. The tour includes the Macs – Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily - located in the Convent ‘s little abbey.

Catania - Parks and nature reserves

Orto Botanico

Catania - Monuments

Porta Garibaldi

Arch raised in 1768 to celebrate the marriage of Ferdinand I and Marie Caroline of Austria.

Catania - Archaeological Sites

Acquedotto Romano

The Roman aqueduct of Catania was the greatest work of piping water in Roman Sicily.

Catania - Archaeological Sites

Odeon

Mascali - Beaches

Spiaggia Fondachello

Ragalna - Adventure Parks

EtnAvventura Serra La Nave

Mascali - Beaches

Spiaggia Lido Ipanema

Acireale - Parks and nature reserves

Riserva naturale della Timpa

Lava ridge degrading on the sea of the cyclops. Spontaneous vegetation among oaks, euphorbias, olive trees, ramnos, basculars interrupted by lemon plantations. There are several paths to the sea by the forest.

Zafferana Etnea - Monuments

the Cisternazza

Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Casa natale di Luigi Capuana

The Birthplace of Luigi Capuana is located in the homonymous palace where the well-known Sicilian writer and journalist was born. Inside there are manuscripts, furniture and paintings by the writer as well as correspondence with contemporary writers such as Ibsen, D'Annunzio and Pirandello. A particular collection of photographs is also exhibited that testifies to the great activity of the writer.

Acireale - Archaeological Sites

Aci Catena - Terme Romane di S.Venera al Pozzo

The Roman Baths of San Venera al Pozzo are located in Acireale. Since ancient times, the territory has been known for the conspicuous presence of beneficial waters coming from springs including sulphurous. The archaeological site consists of two covered rooms. The oldest of the findings dates back to a period between the first and second century AD.

Militello in Val di Catania - Museums

Tesoro di Santa Maria La Stella

The Treasure Museum of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella was founded in 1996, and is located in the homonymous sanctuary. The exhibition is divided into the three rooms, where in the first section you can admire the works dating back to the fifteenth century, in the second are exhibited the precious vestments made between the 17th and 18th centuries, while in the last room there are statues and liturgical objects that date from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century. The collection also includes the Treasure of Santa Maria della Stella which consists of 587 jewels, among which you can admire necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.

Militello in Val di Catania - Museums

Museo di San Nicolò

The Museum of San Nicolò is set up in the interior rooms of the Church of San Nicolò, located in the historic center of the village. It was born thanks to the contribution of the citizens of Militello. The museum shows to the public sacred furnishings, silver, sculptures and valuable paintings dating back to the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa S. Antonio da Padova

Built on the original church of S. Sebastiano, the structure of San Antonio di Padua was built after the earthquake of 1693. The Gothic style portal is that of the '400 of the first original church. It is the oldest church in the city as well as the only one dating back to the period of Aquilia Nuova.

Raddusa - Museums

Museo Nazionale Italiano del Tè

The Italian National Tea Museum is located in a building in the center of the city. In the museum, various ancient and modern materials on the production of tea are exhibited. The instruments are divided into sections according to the country they come from. In the Museum we can also admire a small experimental garden where there are tea plants but also medicinal plants.

Catania - Theaters

Camera Teatro Studio

The Camera Teatro Studio, active since 2002 in Catania on initiative of the Centro Teatrale Siciliano, focuses its work on the new theater and contemporary drama, as well as on the training of the public.

Catania - Theaters

Teatro dell'Accademia

It houses, in addition to the cabarets also the laboratory of laugh. A real school to become a real comic-comedian, a workshop for everyone who loves humor and irony, with an eye to clever satire.

Aci Bonaccorsi - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio e Consolazione

The church of Saint Anthony and Consolation is entirely frescoed with figures of Saints and scenes from the New Testament. The first construction of the building dates back to the period around the 11th and 12th century AD and was modified in the 18th century. Inside we can find several paintings and statues among which the most important are: the stoning of Saint Stephen Protomartyr and the statue of the Protomartyr. The church is one of the oldest in the area.

Aci Bonaccorsi - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Madre S.Maria dell'Indirizzo

The Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Address is a construction of the fifteenth century. Outside the church there is a staircase, the stone portal on the side facade, worked with ornamental reliefs and the bell that was built in 1817. Instead, inside there are three naves enriched by refined decorations and works of high artistic value.

Aci Catena - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

It was designed by Francesco Battaglia in 1730, who in those years took care of rebuilding Catania. The unique Byzantine Arabic style is noticeable in colors and shape. The garden once stretched around the whole building. Today it is a subsidiary of the Parish Mother Sanctuary Maria SS.ma della Catena.

Aci Catena - Castles, palaces and mansions

Municipio ex Convento S.Antonio da Padova

The Town Hall and former Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in 1636 in Aci Catena. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant buildings to which the Catenotes contributed. The staircase gives an extreme harmony to the whole building and inside there are most of the best works in the country. The cloister is decorated in the lunettes with frescoes depicting the life and works of the Franciscan Saints. It is among the most visited and best preserved monuments in the city.

Aci Catena - Churches and places of worship

Santuario Maria Santissima della Catena

The Sanctuary has a very elegant architecture. Interesting to see are the apse, the transept, the dome and the two side chapels. Also worth admiring are the frescoes, in particular the icon of the Madonna, painted on stone, dating back to the 16th century. The Madonna looks majestic thanks to some details: a golden mantle surmounted by a precious crown and the child who wears in her arms that makes this icon a real work of art.

Aci Catena - Hermitages

Eremo di Sant'Anna

The hermitage of Sant'Anna, was founded in 1751, by Friar Rosario Campione. The hermitage is located close to a hill from which you can admire a splendid panorama of the Ionian coast. The original plant was composed of a small church with two small rooms immersed in the vegetation to which later added a large cistern for the collection of water. In 1756, the cells and the chapel were added. Among the works in the church you can admire the Madonna with the Child and Saint Anne. Inside, you can observe the cloister and the Mediterranean garden.

Aci Sant'Antonio - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di San Michele

The Church of San Michele was built on another church that already exists, although always dedicated to the Archangel of St. Michael. The treasure of the church is the original bell tower of 1753. After the 1693 earthquake from which it was destroyed, the building was rebuilt to a larger size.

Aci Sant'Antonio - Monuments

Duomo di Sant'Antonio Abate

The Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate, built in the 18th century, is distinguished by a facade in limestone worked very finely. The interior of the Duomo is luxuriously decorated with frescoes by local artists.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di S. Michele

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel was built as early as 1540; the earthquake of 1693 destroyed it and was then rebuilt in the 18th century. The church became a parish in 1922, inside it we find a nave with four side altars that, subsequently, became five. Currently we can admire the plaster statue of the Virgin.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa di S.Giuseppe

The church of San Giuseppe was built above the old one with the same name at the end of the '600. It was built on three columns that incorporate and move vertically the wall surface. The interior is the one built in the 19th century.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa S.Maria dell'Odigitria

The Church of Santa Maria Dell'Odigitria was built on the ruins of the oratory, after the earthquake of 1693. It is an autonomous parish and is dedicated to Our Lady of Odigitria, the patroness of Sicily. Inside we find the polychrome dome and the most interesting canvas, that of the “Epiphany”.

Calatabiano - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello San Marco

The beautiful Castle of San Marco stands like a beautiful Baroque mansion dating back to the end of the seventeenth century. The fact that it was a dwelling explains its compact structure. It is currently in excellent condition and private use, as it is one of the most prestigious hotels on the coast of Taormina characterized by class and elegance.

Caltagirone - Libraries and archives

Biblioteca Comunale Emanuele Taranto

The origins of the Library of Caltagirone date back to the 16th century when the Jesuit Fathers established the library archive located in the College. But in 1767, when they left the city, the library was transferred to the University of Catania. After so many protests it was decided to establish a library that was based in Caltagirone and only in 1785, the Regio Spiaccio made official the opening of the new library. An important collection of volumes was donated by Prince Niccolò Interlandi who in this way enriched the library's offer.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa S.Maria del Carmine

The church has an architecture from the 18th century, but the construction dates back to the '500. It strikes the loggia of the bell tower open on all its sides; the construction is formed of white and lava stones. Inside it we can find famous eighteenth-century paintings.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa S. Maria del Suffragio

Built in 1638, then renovated after the earthquake of 1693, the church is located in the 'Quarter of the Dead'. Inside the structure we find frescoes with the complex “Eucharistic Mystery” and the episodes of the sacred biblical book reported and represented on the walls. The Baroque style portrays the salvation of the souls of Purgatory.

Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo Musmeci

Built in Baroque style, the Musmeci Palace is located in the historic part of the city. The facade, full of balconies, at the height of the cornice has a series of white stone windows that give the decorative touch. Inside you can see the historic decor and the courtyard with statues. In 1806 the palace was the residence of King Ferdinand.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa Madonna dell'Indirizzo

The church was built in 1709 in neoclassical style. Inside you can find some canvases depicting scenes from the life of “Santa Venera and Sant'Agata”. The church, once surrounded by a lemon garden, is now located in the “Cervo” district.

Acireale - Churches and places of worship

Chiesa del SS. Salvatore

One of the oldest churches in the area, the sources tell us that it dates back to 1531. From 1603 it was transformed from Newsstand to Church, the year in which the roof was also realized. He owns an ancient crucifix dating back to 1693. It is of historical, religious and artistic importance. For years now the church has been transformed into an ordeal for the Easter holidays.

Acireale - Caves

Presepe XVIII Sec. Chiesa S.Maria d. Neve

The Nativity Scene of Santa Maria della Neve in Acireale was set up in 1752 in the cave annexed to the church, which is a lava ravine used until the mid-18th century as a refuge for bandits and fishermen, then transformed into a Bethlehem cave. Note in this crib the 32 life-size figures with wax faces and sumptuous robes and above all, the magnificent realization of the Magi. Today it is one of the most visited cribs.

Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Scammacca fantasia

The castle, built at the end of the 19th century, consists of battlements and ogival arches of neo-Gothic style. Inside there is an elegant chapel with frescoes. Outside it is preceded by a beautiful garden full of trees and flowers.

Acireale - Castles, palaces and mansions

Fortezza del Tocco

The Fortress of Touch is a military fortress that was used as a defensive castle in the 16th century during the war against the Turks (Battle of Lepanto). In the 17th century the fortress was used to make forced labor for the convicted. For this reason, the fortress was expanded and a cannon was placed, with which the people were warned of the attack of the enemy. From this use the monument takes its name.

Catania - Water spa and wellness

Terme Achilliane

The thermal baths are located under Piazza del Duomo, and date back to the fourth century. It is an underground spa of Roman origin. Inside, it preserves numerous architectural details such as inscriptions and tombstones, which tell the story and the period when it was discovered and put into operation. The structure suffered serious damage during the earthquake of the '600, the remaining parts were discovered over the years.

Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions

Palazzo dell'Università

Today's Palazzo dell'Università was built in 1696, by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, Francesco, Antonino Battaglia and many other architects of the time. The majesty of the structure occupies a large area. The building has well-groomed 18th-century architectural decorative elements. On the façade you can see the coat of arms of Aragon, while inside there are numerous frescoes, works by Giovan Battista Piparo. Since 1696, the building has been home to the University of Catania, from which it also took its name.

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello degli Schiavi

The Castle of the Slaves of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is among the most beautiful Baroque castles of the 18th century in the resort. Its name comes from an ancient legend. The building is spread over two floors, dominated by a tower. This was used several times as a movie set after the mid-20th century. Today the castle villa is used as an exclusive location for events and weddings.

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Diana

The Diana Castle is presumed to date back to the 18th century since there are no certain sources. This has the form of a noble palace, rather than a real castle. In fact, it's not very impressive as a construction. It is currently in fair storage conditions and is privately owned.

Mineo - Castles, palaces and mansions

Castello Ducezio

There are only ruins left of the Ducezio Castle. This is because it is very ancient and in fact dates back to the 7th century. However, there is news of this construction already around the 7th century BC. Today the remaining ruins are public property.

Randazzo - Walls, towers and gates

Porta San Giuliano o Aragonese

The Gate of San Giuliano, otherwise recognized as the Aragonese Gate, dates back to the 13th century. Above the door, the banners of Peter I of Aragon are visible. It is one of the four doors which were part of the walls of Randazzo. It extends on the longest side of the city walls. Near the door, customs officers were allocating who checked the products arrived in the city.

Zafferana Etnea - Monuments

La Cisternazza

The Cisternazza is a monumental complex consisting of a cistern, a garden, a beautiful portal and a raised courtyard. “A Cistirnazza “, as is said in Sicilian, was erected by the bishop of Catania Andrea Riggio in the 17th century. The cistern is about ten meters deep and has an octagonal opening.

Zafferana Etnea - Castles, palaces and mansions

Villa Manganelli

Villa Manganelli was built between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by the Catania family Paternò-Manganelli. The building is built with the style typical of the Viennese Secession and is surrounded by a large park of trees. It is currently the property of the Etna Park Authority. Although many years have passed since its construction, the villa is in good condition.