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Catania Architecture

Our most recommended Catania Architecture

Catania: City Highlights Walking Tour

1. Catania: City Highlights Walking Tour

See another side to Sicily as you discover the natural beauty of Catania on this walking tour. Admire the Ursino Castle, walk around the squares and plazas and discover the famous sites. Meet your guide before departing on your adventure. Stroll the city center with your local guide who will fascinate you with the city's history. See monuments built centuries ago that are still standing to this day. Many of the structures you will witness date back to the Greek colonization of the city back in the 8th-century B.C. Enjoy this tour and see the following landmarks: the piazza Duomo, Pescheria, Castello Ursino, piazza San Francesco, via Teatro Greco, piazza Dante, via Gesuiti, scalinata Alessi, piazza Università, piazza Vincenzo Bellini, and the piazza San Placido. If you are in Catania, this tour is simply a must-do.

Catania: Valley of the Temples and Turkish Steps with Brunch

2. Catania: Valley of the Temples and Turkish Steps with Brunch

Begin the day with a pick-up from your accommodation in a comfortable minivan at around 8:30 AM. The first stop will be in Agrigento. This city used to be the richest of all the Greek colonies.  Admire the beautiful and impressive Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. See some of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world. Pindar, the Greek poet, and writer, described it as one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals. The Valley of the Temples is famous for its well-preserved temples, seven in total.  The Temple of Concordia is one of the best preserved Greek temples in the world helping the site to gain the classic UNESCO world heritage award. At the site, visit the remains of many other temples dedicated to various divinities like Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Athena. Next see one of the most amazing beaches in Sicily. A few kilometers away from Agrigento, find the Scala dei Turchi, literally translated to Turkish steps. Discover a dazzling white rock formation, rising from the clear blue sea-like giant steps. Walk this gentle slope, high above the sea on your feet, and enjoy a unique experience. Here, have free time to enjoy one of the most famous beaches in Sicily. Enjoy brunch made of typical Sicilian food with bottles of water, and red local wine. Arrive back in Catania in the early evening, at around 7:00 PM.

Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

3. Sicily: The Godfather Filming Locations Tour

On this informative tour, follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Discover the beautiful medieval villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò nestled on 2 beautiful hills where Francis Ford Coppola shot the famous movies. Explore the splendid hidden corners of Sicily as you go off the beaten path. Visit St. Lucy Church where Michael married Apollonia and the Cathedral of Forza d'Agrò where another wedding scene was shot. Enjoy a drink or lemon granita at Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked Mr. Vitelli if he could marry his daughter. Then, explore the beautiful Castello Degli Schiavi (subject to availability).

From Catania: Syracuse and Noto Culture and History Tour

4. From Catania: Syracuse and Noto Culture and History Tour

Discover two of the most beautiful cities in Sicily on this guided history and culture tour of Syracuse and Noto. Syracuse is a UNESCO World Heritage Site while Noto is considered the most beautiful city of Sicilian Baroque. See Neapolis Archaeological Park, Ortigia, and more. Meet your guides who will lead to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, an area rich in archaeological finds belonging to several periods of Syracusan history. Later, continue on the island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse. Walk through alleys that are over 2000 years old and full of history. See the spectacular cathedral. Then, head to the historic center of Noto that's called the stone garden due to the architectural beauty of its palaces. See why this place is considered to have some of the most beautiful examples of Sicilian Baroque. After experiencing Syracuse and Noto, get transferred back to your pickup location.

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

5. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

From Catania: Full-Day The Godfather Tour

6. From Catania: Full-Day The Godfather Tour

The tour will begin with a visit to Savoca, one of the most picturesque medieval villages of Sicily, inserted in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy since 2008. Also named Terra Ferace of Gagliardi Ingegni and country of seven faces, this delightful city of art has been chosen as a set for several important films including The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. You will start from one of the most important places in Savoca, the Vitelli Bar, then go on a stroll through the alleys of the village, immersed in a suggestive landscaping setting. Admire the ruins of an ancient synagogue, a precious mullion in a pure 15-century style and you will reach the historic center of the country, which, according to some historians, is rooted in Roman times. Visit the church of San Nicolò, built in the 13th century and restructured in the 18th century, where some well-known scenes of the renowned cinematic work were also filmed.  Continue by moving to Forza D’Agrò, immersed in the D’Agrò Valley. During the journey, you will be able to enjoy a breathtaking view and admire the obvious traces of an intense and previous farm activity which took place in the valley thanks to the terraces. You will also be able to enjoy a beautiful panorama that opens up towards the Ionian Coast. Here, you will make a small stop to visit the Cathedral of Mary S.Annunziata and Assunta dating back to the 15th century immersing yourself even more in a pure medieval context that exudes the Sicilian tradition at every corner. The excursion will end with some free time to visit the picturesque town of Taormina. Along the main road of this town, Corso Umberto, with the Messina Gate below and the Catania Gate on the mountain side, you will admire the most important monuments: Palazzo Corvaja (The Corvaja Palace) the Teatro Antico* (The Old Theatre), Piazza IX Aprile, the Torre dell’orologio (The Clock Tower), the Cattedrale Fortezza (The Fortress Cathedral), the Badia Vecchia (The Old Abbey), the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano (The Duke of Saint Stephen Palace) and much more. It will also be possible to go shopping in the exclusive shops which alternate with workshops.

From Catania: Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour

7. From Catania: Syracuse, Ortygia, and Noto Tour

Enjoy three beautiful places in Sicily with this full-day tour from Catania. Listen to historical facts and facinating anecdotes with your audio guide as you stop at the Neapolis Archaeological Park, Ortygia, and Noto.  Meet your driver in Duomo square in the center of Catania and sit back and relax in the comfortable van on the drive to the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse. Purchase tickets to the park to admire the magnificent Greek theater, Roman Amphitheater, and stone quarries. Continue to the ancient fortified island of Ortygia. Spend some time wandering the streets to discover the mythical Fountain of Arethusa, Piazza Duomo, the fortress walls, and stunning Baroque churches and palaces. Finally, drive to the town of Noto where you can discover the Sicilian capital of Baroque architecture. Have some free time to see sights like the Fountain of Hercules, and noble palaces like Palazzo Astuto and Palazzo Trigona Cannicarao. Return to the meeting point in Catania.

Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

8. Catania: Valley of the Temples & Piazza Armerina with Brunch

Drive to the southern coast of Sicily in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle to explore and learn about the history, culture, and art found in Sicily in the Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale.  Begin with a visit to the majestic archaeological area of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pindar, the Greek poet, and writer described it as “one of the most beautiful cities of those inhabited by mortals”. Famous for its seven well-preserved temples, the Valley of the Temples is dedicated to various divinities including Juno, Hercules, Hephaestus, and Athena. The visit to the Valley of the Temples is a wonderfully memorable experience that allows you to delve into the Greek culture and history that has been woven into Sicily.  After strolling through the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, you will stop to enjoy a delicious brunch, made of Sicilian street food, water, and wine before traveling to Piazza Armerina. Found in the heart of Sicily, Piazza Armerina is home to the splendid Villa Romana del Casale a majestic imperial villa originally the property of a powerful Roman family. At the villa, you will find the best conserved in-situ Roman mosaics in the world.

Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

9. Noto, Modica and Ragusa: The Baroque Tour from Catania

The first stop on this 8-hour tour is Noto, the Garden of Stone, noted for its Baroque heritage. After the massive 1693 earthquake, Noto was rebuilt on Meti Hill. The town’s origins date to the Early Bronze Age. Continue to Modica and visit the oldest chocolate factory in Sicily. The city also has a rich history and a wonderful architectural heritage. See the cathedrals of San Giorgio and San Pietro and the Palazzo Polara and Palazzo Napolino-Tommasi Rosso, among others. Ragusa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage in 2002 for its monuments of the late Baroque period. Visit examples of this style including its cathedrals and palaces.

Catania: Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto Tour with Brunch

10. Catania: Syracuse, Ortigia, and Noto Tour with Brunch

After being picked up from your accommodation in Catania, visit the magnificent Neapolis in Syracuse. Declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2005, this famous archaeological park houses a Greek theatre. With the help of a guide sheet, admire the impressive ruins of this stunning site. After visiting Syracuse, journey to the lovely peninsula of Ortigia. Starting from the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, enjoy a gentle stroll to reach the spectacular white cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Take in this idyllic cathedral, before stopping off at the Fountain of Arethusa, a legendary freshwater spring. For lunch, you have the option to enjoy a rich brunch made of typical Sicilian products, with water and red wine. Or, if you prefer, you will have 1-hour of free time to have lunch in one of the amazing restaurants in the alleys of the city. Upon reaching Noto, you will explore this jewel of Sicilian Baroque architecture, which is often considered to be an open-air museum. Admire the extraordinary architecture of its many palaces, churches, and stairways. After an exhilarating day, sit back and relax as you are taken back to your hotel in the comfort of a luxurious vehicle. 

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Frequently asked questions about Catania

What are the best day trips and excursions from Catania?

The best day trips and excursions from Catania are:

Mount Etna

Other Sightseeing Options in Catania

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What people are saying about Catania

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 153 reviews

11/10 Experience! Highly recommended for ALL fans! Had an absolutely fantastic day on the Godfather tour. Visiting these sites has been on my bucket list for a long time and this tour was a fantastic way to accomplish this. Alessio is a friendly, enthusiastic and expert guide and provided us with an exceptional experience. Given Alessio’s extensive knowledge and palpable enthusiasm for the films, this is a tour run by a fan, for fans. That said, anyone who has seen the Godfather films will get a lot out of this tour, from casual moviegoer to film zealot. The places you visit (Savoca and Forza d'Agro) are also beautiful in their own right and it was a great way to see Sicily. Visiting Castello Degli Schiavi (an optional extra) was another highlight and great privilege that Alessio organises with the owner of the mansion (The Baron, an extremely welcoming, friendly and polite host). Thank you so much, Alessio! We had a truly spectacular and holiday-defining experience.

This was a lovely tour full of the great history Catania has to offer. You felt as though you were traveling to places that no other tourists go, while also hitting all of the “hot spots”. The tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable.

Angela was a great guide. You can tell she was passionate about her work and very experienced. We learned a great deal about Catania and actually we now appreciate it more. Definitely recommend the tour!

We had a great with Alessio and Natalie. They made made it a very fun day. Loved visiting all three towns.

Overall nice trup across several beautiful cities.