The city of Catania
Catania is the economic capital of Sicily, hosting an international airport, vibrant commercial sector and robust manufacturing sector.
It sits under Europe’s largest and most active volcano “Mount Etna” or “Mother Etna”.
Its location at the heart of the Mediterranean offers a climate unsurpassed in the world, offering almost 350 days of sunshine.
The vibrant nightlife, of restaurants and clubs offers a variety of activies that you’ll never forget.
Near the School
USEFUL SPOTS
- Parking Palmanova
- Peluso Pharmacy
- Conad Supermarket
FOOD & SHOPPING
- Shopping Corso Italia/via Umberto I
- Bakery Biancuccia
- Pizzeria Cantinaccia
- Bakery Crivu
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
- AMT ALIBUS stops in Corso Italia, from/to the Airport
- AMT BUS from Via Umberto and Viale Jonio for/to the centre
- Galatea is the nearest metro stop, back side of the school
WHAT TO SEE
Tips for fun
IN THE MORNING
Catania has an abundance of historical treasures that are still alive to this day.
Piazza Duomo, the heart of the city standing next to the City’s historical representative symbol, the Fountain of the Elephant. Learn its story.
The Cathedral, home to the City’s Patron Saint, St. Agata, savior of the city on more than one occasion. Learn of her courage and history.
Via Crociferi: step back in history and be surrounded by the Baroque style that is unique to Catania.
One can not leave Catania without stepping on the stones of the Benedictine Monastery, the second biggest in Europe, now part of the University of Catania.
After all of this, lunch time!
Why not start with an arancino, and with a delicious “crispella”. A first course must try is Pasta alla Norma, a traditional dish in Catania. Or you can choose a fish-based dish: restaurants in Catania are famous for their fresh fish prepared in several different ways. After a good coffee and a cannolo, you’ll be ready to continue with your day.
IN THE AFTERNOON
After lunch, enjoy an Italian “passeggiata”, a slow liesurly walk along Via Etnea: the historical main street of Catania. Absorb the life of the city, taking in its tree lined streets and its exquisite shops. Walk past the imposing Roman Amphitheater, drink the history of the civilizations that make up Catania, all the while the imposing statue of Vincenzo Bellini, the famous composer of Catania, watches over you.
Why not have a snack then?
You can try our icecreams and granite: you can choose from a lot of different flavours with hand-whipped cream. If you’re more of a savory person you need “tavola calda”, a beloved part of Catania’s food culture. A variety of hot, ready-to-eat dishes, It includes: arancini but also cipolline, cartocciate, and pizzette—flavorful, satisfying bites that reflect the rich Sicilian culinary tradition.
EVENING & NIGHTLIFE
After a day spent looking at places so full of art and culture, the time has come to dedicate a bit of time to enjoyment: Catania leaves you with no end of choice. Go to one of the bars or clubs along the crowded Via Gemmellaro (next to one of our oldest markets) for an aperitivo, one of the most popular meeting points in the city. Carry on the evening as you please: Catania has clubs, especially in Teatro Massimo area’s, for all tastes: from live music to the DJ set. Try to go to “Vermut”, “Joyce Pub” or “Razmataz Winebar”.
In summer the nightlife shifts to sea: in the seaside “la playa” there are lots of clubs on the beach. But you have to visit also the seawalk of Acitrezza where you can find different pubs on the coast where you will have always fun!
