Catania
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Catania (Anc. Katane, Catana): A city and provincial capital of the province of Catania, situated on the E coast of Sicily. Population: 304,144 (2006e). It is the second largest city in Sicily.
History: Ancient Katene was founded in 729 BC by Chalcidian Greeks from Naxos.
Points of Interest:
Secular Buildings and monuments:
Amphitheater: Probably founded in the 2nd century BC, this ancient Roman amphitheater was, in its prime, second in size only to the Colosseum in Rome.
Castello Ursino: Located in the Piazza Frederico di Svevia, it was constructed in c1232 for Emperor Frederick II by Riccardo da Lentini. Most of the original structure was destroyed by a lava flow in 1669. The surviving keep now houses the Museo Civico.
Municipio: Constructed in 1741, it is located on the N side of the Piazza del Duomo.
Museo Civco: Housed in the Castello Ursino, it has a fine collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture and ceramics, as well as medieval and Renaissance artifacts and artwork.
Elephant Fountain: Created by Vaccarini in 1736, it is located in the center of the Piazza del Duomo. It receives its name derives from the ancient elephant carved from volcanic rock, out of which it was created. The elephant and the obelisk it carries is believed to have once been part of the Roman amphtheater.
Religious Buildings and monuments:
Cathedral (Duomo) of Sant’ Agata: Located in the Piazza del Duomo, it was founded by Count Roger I in 1092. Extensive reconstructions were made after earthquakes in 1169 and 1693. Of the original Norman structure only the apses survive. The western facade was created by Vaccarini in 1736 and includes columns taken from the ancient Roman theater.
Church of San Benedetto: Situated on the Via Crociferi. Fine facade.
Church of Sant’Agata: 18th century. Facade created by Vaccarini. Located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, near the Piazza del Duomo.
Church of Sant’Agostino: Situated on the site of an ancient Roman basilica.