Catania

Catania

Catania is actually the second largest city in Sicily, but in the historic centre, it just does not feel that big. It is big as it is the capital of a 58 municipal region. Similar to other towns, it was founded by the Greeks. Later it was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1169, a flow from Mt Etna in 1669 and an earthquare in 1693. During World War II, Catania was heavily bombed by the Allied air forces.

Some of the sights to see include the Teatro Massimo Bellini, 1890 opera house made for the hometown composed Vincenzo Bellini. The pescheria, is the bvusy and famous fish market which takes over the streets that are behind the Piazza del Duomo every morning. The Monastero dell Benedettine - this has two sites, the Benedictine convent and the Chiesa di San Benedetto. Decorations and art work in the church are noteworthy.

On our 2013 trip we had booked what we thought was going to be a wonder house to rent not far from Catania. When we arrived, we were just behind a massive IKEA store with parking lots lights shinning their way towards us. We decided we would not stay there and headed into Catania.

Those were the days of travelling with our red Michelin Guide. We looked up a central hotel and stayed for a number of nights right in the center of town. Yes it really is about location, location, location. Loved our stay there and it was so eary to go out for an evening walk.