Catania

City founded by the Greeks in 729 BC , it has a history rich in cultural heritage from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish eras to be admired in its monuments.
Today's predominantly eighteenth-century city is the result of the reconstruction after the strong earthquake of 1693, built in Sicilian Baroque style and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caressed by the sea and dominated by Mount Etna , it is known as "the black city" for the color of its buildings, blackened by soot and ash from the volcano . The historic center offers various monuments and places not to be missed: in Piazza Duomo you can admire; the cathedral of Sant'Agata, Palazzo degli Elephants and "U Liotru" the elephant statue (symbol of the city).
Via Crociferi which boasts buildings and palaces in Sicilian Baroque style including: the church of San Benedetto, the church of San Francesco Borgia, the Palazzo dei Gesuiti and the church of San Giuliano, one of the most beautiful in Catania, thanks to its polychronous marble altar .
Also not to be missed : a walk along Via Etnea (the shopping street), a visit to the Ursino Castle, the Vincenzo Bellini Theater and the Greco-Roman Archaeological Park to admire: the Greco-Roman theatre, the amphitheatre, the forum, the Roman aqueduct and the acropolis.