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Catania is the second largest city of Sicily and is the capital of the province which bears its name. Catania is located on the east coast of the island, half way between Messina and Siracusa and is at the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna.

Attractions

Roman Age

The city has been buried by lava a total of seven times in recorded history, and in layers under the present day city are the Roman city that preceded it, and the Greek city before that.
.Much of the ancient monuments of the Roman city have been destroyed by the numerous earthquakes. Currently, remains of the following buildings can be seen:

• The Theater (2nd century)
• The Amphitheater (2nd century)
• The Odeon (3rd century CE)

The symbol of the city is u Liotru, or the Fontana dell'Elefante and was constructed in 1736 by Giovan Battista Vaccarini.

Baroque churches and palaces

• The Cathedral (Duomo)
• The Badia of St. Agatha
• Sant'Agata la Vetere
• Sant'Agata alla Fornace
• St. Francis, housing the mortal remains of Eleanor of Sicily
• St. Benedict
• Basilica Collegiata (early 18th century). Biscari Palace
• Elephants Palace
• Reburdone Palace
• Benedictine monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena
• Villa Cerami

Others

• The Castello Ursino, built by Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in the 13th century.
• The church of Santa Maria del Gesù (16th century)
• The Porta Ferdinandea, a triumphal arch erected in 1768.

Under the city runs the river Amenano, visible in just one point, south of Piazza Duomo.