Journey to Catania
Catania – lava city at the base of Mount Etna
In spite of the dark buildings of black lava rock visitors will not able to take their eyes from the magnificent Baroque buildings in the centre. Despite its turbulent and painful history, Catania is today a picturesque town at the base of Europe's largest volcano - Mount Etna. Whether a leisurely stroll through the historic centre, a round tour on Mount Etna or a trip to the fabled Riviera of the Cyclops or the hilly hinterland - a trip to the province of Catania promises exciting and unforgettable moments.
Turbulent history at the base of Mount Etna
"Melior de cinere surgo" (Flourishing I rise from the ashes again) is inscribed on the Porta Garibaldi, the gate of honour in the west of the city. Few are the cities that have been destroyed so many times and yet have risen repeatedly like a phoenix from the ashes - Catania is one of them. Located at the base of Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, historically Catania has often been subject to the whims of the fertile fire mountain. Nevertheless, people have been there since the beginning of the colonisation of Sicily and have benefited from the fertile volcanic soil. It is this interplay between a vibrant city, buildings made of black lava rock and the huge fire-breathing mountains in the immediate vicinity, that makes staying in this region so attractive for every visitor.
Eruption of Mount Etna
Journey to the Province of Catania
Even outside the city limits, the Province of Catania has a number of sites that are worth visiting. An exciting hike up to Mount Etna - if it is not spitting fire of course - or a tour around the volcano and its many picturesque towns and villages all around, a trip along the legendary Riviera of the Cyclops, which was mentioned in the Odyssey, or a visit to Caltagirone, the ceramics capital of Sicily - the province of Catania has numerous attractive destinations for its visitors. Reason enough to stop by Europe's biggest Mediterranean island and largest volcano.
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