Sicily, Catania, Italy

St. Agatha Cathedral

One of the most revered places in Catania is the cathedral, erected in the 11th century on the site of ancient thermal baths in honor of Sicily’s patron saint, Saint Agatha. There are several reasons why you simply must visit. First of all, inside this magnificent Baroque church you’ll find the tomb of the greatest Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini-a native of Catania. And, secondly, it would be a real crime to miss the 18th-century frescoes that adorn the Chapel of Saint Anne. What’s more, you should definitely pass through the tiny golden door by the chapel and descend into the crypt, where the bust of Catania’s patron saint and the reliquary containing her relics are kept.

Ursino Fortress

Ursino Castle, built by order of the Sicilian king Frederick II in the 13th century, stands atop a high hill by the sea. For a long time, this impregnable castle, surrounded by a deep moat, served not only as a defensive stronghold, but also as the king’s ceremonial palace. The eight towers crowning the fortress also found uses: for example, flags were raised over the northern one, and a torture chamber was installed in the southern tower. In the 16th century, the Ursino citadel lost its strategic importance and was turned into a prison, which remained here until the 19th century. Today, a city museum is located here. It features collections of archaeological artifacts, medieval works of art, as well as works by Italian and European artists of the Renaissance.

St. Nicholas Monastery

The Monastery of San Nicolò, founded in the 12th century and rebuilt after an earthquake in the early 18th century, is famous for its historic organ. People come here from all over Italy to hear the divine sounds of an instrument that is more than three centuries old. You can also admire the ancient altar-its niches are decorated by the greatest masters, invited from different regions of Italy. The monastery cathedral is still in operation; you should absolutely visit for the Sunday service and hear the organ here.

Palazzo Biscari

Palace of the Dukes of Biscari, built over almost a hundred years and completed by the end of the 17th century, is considered the true pinnacle of Sicilian Baroque. From the palace’s façade and interior décor alike, you can study the Baroque and Rococo styles. Pilasters, cherub figurines (putti), floral garlands, and the astonishing staircase adorned with a pattern reminiscent of whipped cream-these are only a small part of the many tricks and techniques used by the sculptors. Unfortunately, today the Palazzo Biscari is privately owned, so getting in is problematic. Sometimes exhibitions of contemporary art are held here, but most of the artifacts have been moved to the Ursino Fortress Museum.

Alcantara Gorge

One of the most beautiful places in Sicily, located deep inside the island near Catania. The Alcantara Gorge was formed after a powerful volcanic eruption. Hot lava filled the riverbed and solidified into strange black rocks and ribbed rapids. In summer, the river runs shallow, and the few visitors who come don’t miss the chance to swim in the cool waters of the Alcantara in the heat of midday. From the foot of the gorge to the top, you can ride a specially arranged lift. At the top there is an observation deck where the black walls of the Alcantara and the small river cascades can be seen especially well.

Lee Kuti Beach

This is one of the largest beaches in the Catania area. Most locals come here to swim. Lì Cuti, located to the north, is a rocky lava beach with large black mounds of solidified magma. A wonderful beach with its own microclimate and breathtaking landscapes.

Coast of the Cyclops

The name of the Ionian Sea coastline near the town of Aci Castello, after giving it some thought, locals took straight from the legends of the ancient Greek hero and traveler Odysseus (or Ulysses). According to the legend, in Aci Castello, many thousands of years ago, there lived Cyclopes; one of them-Polyphemus-was the favorite son of Poseidon. When the fearless Odysseus, saving himself and his companions, blinded the offspring of the sea god, the enraged Cyclops chased Ulysses and began hurling gigantic stones at him. These giant boulders remained exactly where Polyphemus threw them. On one of them, even a castle was built in the 11th century. True, only the ruins and one of the fortress towers have survived to this day, offering an interesting view of the town of Aci Castello and its flourishing surroundings.

La Playa

On this sandy shore, visitors love to sunbathe, although locals also often stop by. It’s located in the south of Catania. The place, unlike the beach of Le Cuti, where you have to walk over black lumps of hardened lava, is very civilized, with the proper beach infrastructure-umbrellas, loungers, and little restaurants.

Bellini Museum

The Bellini Museum in Catania is different from many similar places in that visitors are allowed to touch the composer’s things here and even reach for the piano’s black-and-white keys. The museum dedicated to the native of Catania is located in the Palazzo Gravina Cruyllas house on Piazza San Francesco. It is in this house that on 3 November 1801 the future author of the operas “Norma” and “La Sonnambula” was born. The alcove in which Bellini was born can still be seen today. In addition, the museum features a rich collection of the composer’s scores, his personal belongings, and a collection of icons.

Nebrodi Park

The Nebrodi Nature Park, located in the Sicilian mountains, is a fairly wild place, but very popular with those who are tired of endless beaches and sea landscapes. Traveling through Nebrodi is possible only by jeep or on foot: the roads here are entirely dirt roads, but very scenic. Beech groves are followed by oak forests; past quiet lakes and green meadows, the road leads into the mountains, to the highest point-the summit of Monte Soro, reaching 1847 meters. On the way to the viewpoint, it’s worth stopping at a giant maple tree 22 meters tall with a 6-meter diameter.

City tour of Catania

The excursion begins at Stesichorus Square, where you can see the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre, the monument to Vincenzo Bellini by architect Giulio Montiverde, and the Neoclassical Cathedral of St. Blaise of Catania. Next, you will continue along the main street of Via Etnea, lined with the churches of St. Michael the Archangel and the Collegiate Church, then head to University Square, one of the oldest in Italy, founded in 1434, and Cathedral Square, a jewel of Sicilian Baroque with the famous Elephant Fountain-the symbol of the city of Catania. After that, tourists will go to St. Francis Square, where the St. Francis Cathedral is located, proceed along Via Crociferi, Italy’s most beautiful Baroque street, see the Rotonda Baths, the Monastery of St. Nicholas, the second largest in Europe. The excursion ends at Vincenzo Bellini Opera Square.

Classic Ascent of Mount Etna

From the port, tourists will head to the town of Jarrre, where we begin our ascent to an altitude of 2000 meters to the “Sapienza” plateau. On the way, tourists will be able to see small Sicilian villages and a magnificent panorama of the Ionian Sea coastline. On the “Sapienza” plateau, tourists will see the “Silvestri” craters, try the very strong drink “Etna Fire,” and, if they wish, they can climb to the very top at an altitude of 3000 m to view the main craters using a funicular and a special jeep. After the excursion, if you wish, you can stop at a local tavern for lunch.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can familiarize yourself after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.