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Guide to Catania, Italy
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Catania
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CataniaInside the Sicily region of Italy stands the quaint, deeply-rooted city of Catania. For centuries Catania has stood as an important musical, architectural and literary center in the country, but it has received little focus from the outside world. It has enjoyed its unintended secrecy over the years, and the few who do come to its squares, streets and alleys each year are in for a real treat. Catania boasts more monuments and religious and historic sites than one can view in a short visit. All the more reason to extend a visit, we say! Restaurants here serve dishes that rival the best in Italy, and crowded streets are a non-issue for most of the years 365 days. Youll hear the sounds of children playing and the commotion of outdoor cafes overtake those of car horns. On a sad note, however, Catania has had a troubling history in reference to natural occurrences. Over its history, Catania has witnessed the destruction of prized structures throughout its cityscape. However, despite the torrential rains and hurricane winds the city bounced back and emerged better than ever before each and every time the storms passed. Come to Catania and see an Italian relic for yourself. Book your flight today.
When to go:
Weather patterns in Catania are typical of any in the region; its no surprise to find hot and humid summers, equally wet and dry springs and autumns, and usual yet unusually mild winters. Many coming to Catania worry that theyll be unfortunate to see the city overtaken by buckets and ponchos, but the likelihood of a natural disaster here is quite slim. Ok, its feasible, but are you going to let the looming darkness bottle you up and lead you to demand a refund? After youve enjoyed a chuckle - or the pin drop - make your way to Catania anytime during the summer season for beautiful clear skies and nightlife thatll move you til dawn.
Getting there and around:
Fontanarossa Airport is travelers connection to the city and vice versa. The terminal isnt a grand whirlwind of shopping centers and restaurants, but it serves its purpose. Transportation to/from the airport is done via both bus and taxi, with the option of a car rental (not recommended). Navigating the citys squares and network of big and small roads will leave a novice of Catanias grid disgruntled.
The best way of getting around the city is taxi, but unless you carry along with you an unlimited fund dispenser, its best to stick to the public bus system for trips to staple destinations. Also, nothings better than seeing the city at ground level, so walking is always best for those small jaunts to the neighborhood market.
Attractions:
Catania may not enjoy the attention of millions of worldly travelers in search of international spectacles, but eye candy the city does not lack. Visit the fantastic Duomo (Cathedral) and see Catania as it was over 4 centuries ago. First built in the 12^th century, the Duomo was destroyed and buried by the cascading detritus and molten rock which emerged from the mouth of Mount Edna. Most of the city was demolished along with the Cathedral at the time of the eruption; most of its surrounding structures are also more recent constructions.
Catania also delivers in its variety of museums. Many of the citys historic timepieces are housed in previous residences of their original owners: The Emilio Greco Museum is home to over 1,000 engravings and lithographs; the Giovanni Verga Museum is a former palace that holds a library with historic volumes that number in the thousands, with originals by Dumas and Tolstoy.
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