Location: Catania
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What to do and see in Catania, Sicily: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Catania has been a prize of many empires over the centuries, from Greeks to Romans to Arabs to Normans to Spaniards (to name a few). But its citizens have a more dangerous enemy right in their backyard—Mount Etna, Europe's largest and most active volcano, which destroyed the city with earthquakes and lava flows in 1693. Look closely at the baroque buildings dating from after the eruption—you'll notice a creative use of lava.
Restaurants in Catania
1. Chiesa di San Nicolo All'Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By ludortravel - Iasi, Romania
It is an astonishing piece of architecture in terms of both size, architectural solutions and emotional impact. It includes also a memorial of the fallen soldiers and not only. The entrance is free and a paid guided tour is available.
2. Chiesa della Badia di Sant'Agata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By karocska - Krakow, Poland
Beautiful view of Mount Etna and Piazza Duomo. Get up there by few hundred stairs or elevator for a few euros and get the most amazing view of this gorgeous city.
3. Chiesa San Benedetto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
The house of the cloistered nuns of Saint Benedict was built from April 1334, then it was razed to the ground by the earthquake of 1693, which spared only five out of the sixty religious who used to inhabit it. The church and the monastery were rebuilt between 1708 and 1763, thanks to the work of, among others, the architect G.B. Vaccarini and the painter from Messina G. Tuccari. A large part of the gorgeous frescoes were covered at the end of XVIII century. Then they came back to light during the bombardaments of 1943, which severely damaged the building. The frescoes were restored thanks to the project of A. Dillon. In the church, in addition to the frescoes by Tuccari, it is possible to admire paintings by M. Desiderato and M. Rapisardi, and the wonderful altar in polychrome marble decorated with jasper and silver foils on which the Lamb of God dominates.
4. Basilica Collegiata
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 213 reviews
Reviewed By ludortravel - Iasi, Romania
On of the most decorated churches in Catania. Not very big but with an impressive facade and really beautiful paintings inside. Free entrance, close to the cathedral.
5. Saint Biagio Church - Sant'Agata alla Fornace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By ludortravel - Iasi, Romania
Sant'Agata alla Fornace church is a very important place for the people of Catania. The tradition says that here is the place where Saint Agatha, the patron of the city, was tortured. This and many other interesting facts and legends can be learn during the guided tour. It costs only one euro per person and you have the opportunity to learn from passionate young guides like Luca a lot about the saint, about the church and about Catania.
6. Chiesa di San Placido
7. Chiesa Sant'Agata la Vetere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Inside the church, guided tours will be offered. You will know the history of the building and the reason why this place is important for the worship Agatino. Among the many things you will be shown the remains of the first cathedral of Catania and the original sarcophagus where Agatha was placed after death. In addition, you will be taken to the crypt where St. Agatha underwent the trial and mart
8. Santuario Sant'Agata al Carcere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
9. Basilica Maria Santissima dell'Elemosina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By 944giorgiog - Washington DC, United States
This church cannot be missed as your stroll along the central spine of the city, via Etnea, and should not be missed, as it is a beautiful Baroque piece. Particularly striking is the facade. We happened to stroll by during the end of a wedding ceremony, which only added flavor to the visit.
10. Chiesa di San Giuliano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
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