• Giardino Bellini - Begin the tour at the enchanting Villa Bellini, a 19th-century public garden featuring picturesque terraces, floral clocks, and tree-lined pathways. Entry is complimentary, allowing visitors to leisurely explore or relax before continuing the journey through Catania.
• Teatro Massimo Bellini - Teatro Bellini
  Discover the Teatro Massimo Bellini, Catania’s sophisticated 19th-century opera house, adorned with a lavish Neo-Baroque façade. Although entry is not part of this tour, guided tours are available, and there might be an opportunity to enjoy a live performance.
• Anfiteatro Romano - Catch a glimpse of Catania’s Roman Amphitheatre, partially unearthed and nestled beneath the modern cityscape. Entry is not included in this tour, but the visible ruins serve as a striking reminder of the city’s ancient heritage.
• Parco Archeologico Greco Romano di Catania - On the right, observe the remnants of the Roman Odeon and, just beyond, the larger Greek-Roman Theatre—two ancient structures quietly nestled among modern buildings. Entry is not included in this tour, but both sites can be admired from the street, or visited later via the official entrance on Via Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Piazza Universita - Arrive at Piazza Università, an elegant Baroque square surrounded by historic buildings and whimsical bronze lampposts. These sculptures depict Catania’s local legends and can be freely explored while strolling through the square.
• Piazza del Duomo - In front stands the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, with its impressive Baroque façade and deep connections to the city’s patron saint. Nearby, find the Elephant Fountain—u Liotru—Catania’s charming lava-stone mascot, symbolizing the city’s blend of legend and resilience.
• A’ Piscaria Mercato del Pesce - Pass through La Pescheria, Catania’s vibrant open-air fish market, where stalls brim with seafood and voices resonate in Sicilian dialect. Entry is free, offering a fully immersive experience—just be cautious, as it can be lively (and slippery)!
• Via dei Crociferi - Stroll along Via dei Crociferi, a short yet spectacular street lined with Baroque churches and crowned by the Arch of San Benedetto. Entry to the churches isn’t included in this tour, but the façades alone make this one of the most atmospheric spots in Catania.
• Museo Civico Castello Ursino - Encounter Ursino Castle, a 13th-century fortress constructed by Emperor Frederick II and later encircled by lava from Mount Etna. Entry to the Civic Museum inside is not included in this tour, but the castle’s massive walls and volcanic setting are impressive even from the outside.
• Via Etnea - Walk along Via Etnea, Catania’s main thoroughfare, lined with Baroque buildings crafted from dark lava stone. The street offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna on clear days and a lively mix of shops, cafés, and local life.
• Monastero dei Benedettini - View the expansive Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, one of Europe’s largest Benedictine complexes, rebuilt in grand Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Entry is not included in this tour, but guided visits are available, revealing cloisters, Roman ruins, and panoramic views from the upper terraces.

• Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• App for Android and iOS
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
• Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

• Smartphone and headphones
• Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
• Food and drink
• Transportation

Catania is a city molded by fire and renewal, with its ancient Greek ruins, Norman castles, and breathtaking Baroque architecture standing as testaments to its history. On this self-guided walking tour, participants will stroll along the elegant main thoroughfare, Via Etnea, and explore atmospheric side streets where the imposing presence of Mount Etna has shaped every chapter of this Sicilian city’s 2,800-year past.

Beginning at Giardino Bellini, the romantic gardens honoring composer Vincenzo Bellini, the tour continues down the city’s grand main boulevard. Participants will discover how it was redesigned following the devastating 1693 earthquake that destroyed Catania, leading to its magnificent Baroque reconstruction.

• The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.