Catania

Where to park in Catania:

Central Catania has several public and private parking lots. The three closest to the locations we're considering are the parcheggio Bellini multipiano (P2), Parcheggio Corso Sicilia AMTS (P3), and finally, the one chosen for the tour, Parcheggio Borsellino AMTS (P1), because it's close to the beginning of Via Etnea, the fish market, and the Cathedral.

What to see and do in Catania:

Our itinerary starts from Porta Uzeda (no. 1) next to the Borsellino AMTS car park (P1) and is divided into three routes: green, yellow, and blue. Green is the most important because it runs along Catania's main street, Via Etnea, where you'll find shops, bars, and the vibrant life of Catania.

Following the green line:

Cathedral of Sant'Agata (no. 2), built in 1094 on the ruins of the Achillian Baths. Its importance for Catania lies in the fact that she is the city's patron saint;
Church of the Abbey of Sant'Agata (no. 3), a Baroque church from the 1700s. You can climb the dome and admire the view from above;
Collegiate Basilica (no. 4). Its original construction dates back to the beginning of Christianity. It was destroyed and rebuilt at various times. The current Baroque-style church was built in the 1700s. It is one of the most important churches in Catania;
Via S.G. alla Grotta will lead you to Catania's largest and most historic market area, known as "Fera o Luni" (Monday Fair) because it originally took place only on Mondays. Today, it is held every day except Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.;
Roman Amphitheater (no. 5), dating back to the 14th century, or what remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater built of lava stone, now buried below street level. This structure is worth a visit for its originality;
Villa Bellini (no. 6) is a green park where you can stroll and relax in the shade of its trees.

Following the yellow line:

Greek-Roman Theater with the Roman Odeon next to it (no. 8);
Benedictine Monastery (no. 9), built in Baroque style around 1500, a huge building with immense charm and history, which you can read about here;
Church of San Nicolò l'Arena (no. 10), a church of approximately 1,500 square meters, built after the 1669 eruption of Mount Etna. It houses the Candelore, large, richly decorated wooden structures used for processions.

Following the blue line:

Fish Market (no. 11), and more, around it you'll find shops and stalls selling various types of local products;
Street Food Area (no. 13), including Via Gisira, Piazza S. Maria all'Indirizzo, and surrounding streets;
Castello Ursino (no. 12) built by King Frederick of Swabia in 1239. This imposing structure now houses several museum exhibitions.