Things to do near Etna Italy – what to see attractions and activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.