Catania – Discover Sicily

Catania is Sicily’s second largest city, with a population of around 300,000. It is among Italian hottest cities with a summer temperature that can exceed 40° degrees. It lies on the Ionian Sea, near Mount Etna, or “A Muntagna” as the locals refer to it. Subjected to Etna’s fickle temperament, Catania has been damaged by lava flows and earthquakes on several occasions. A particularly destructive volcanic eruption in 1669 was followed by a serious earthquake in 1693. The city has a history dating back 2700 years, dominated by several different cultures like Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, etc. The city is full of attractions, offering historic and artistic wonders for everyone.

credit: Jesús Cabrera