One of the first things to do in Catania is visit the symbol of the city, the Fountain of the Elephant. This lava stone sculpture was built in 1736 by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini and portrays an elephant crowned by an obelisk. Legend has it that Vaccarani's original elephant was castrated, which the men of Catania took as an insult to their manhood. To appease them, Vaccarini added a pair of huge testicles to the original statue. Whether the story is true or not, the statue is definitely one of the most famous Catania attractions!
We can continue our journey through the things to see in Catania by strolling through the Roman-era theater, the Odeon. These well-preserved monuments date back to antiquity, so no list of what to do in Catania would be complete without a visit.
Catania is a city with many churches and basilicas. One of the most important religious attractions in Catania is the Cathedral of Catania, located in Piazza del Duomo. It stands out as a jewel of Italian baroque, with its rich ornaments, and is dedicated to St. Agatha. Another of the popular Catania activities is a trip to the Fish Market. People buy koi, squid, sea urchins, and all kinds of seafood. Still looking for stuff to do in Catania? Stroll through the Giardino Bellini, an old manor that has been converted into a public park, and visit the Teatro Massimo Bellini or Ursino Castle. Other places to visit in Catania are the palaces. The city has many palaces scattered throughout the territory, such as the Biscari Palace and the Palace of the Elephants.
Visit Minube to learn more about this beautiful city.