Catania: the Baroque revival
Overview
Catania like the Phoenix rising from the ashes, following the devastating earthquake that destroyed the city in 1693, has been able to reinvent itself by taking on the appearance of the Baroque city that we still see today.
Large urban spaces and grandiose architectural forms are the predominant aspects of this reconstruction.
Starting from the inevitable Cathedral of Sant'Agata, we will then climb up to the dome of the Badia di Sant'Agata from which you can embrace the whole city with your eyes, then we will walk in Via Etnea to discover the legends that are hidden here up to the culmination of the Baroque splendor guarded by Via Crociferi.
Gallery
What's Included
✓ Included
- All entrance tickets
Itinerary
1
Stop 1
The religious heart of the city, the Cathedral sums up all the history, from the monumental Norman structures to the spectacular Baroque innovations. Inside, particular attention will be devoted to the Chapel of Sant'Agata and the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini
2
Stop 2
Without doubt the most representative of the many architectures that in Catania are linked to the figure of Giovan Battista Vaccarini. Here he applies in the purest and most perfect forms the models of the great Roman architecture, in particular those of Borromini, which he nourished during his stay in 1734-35, reconciling them with the local late Baroque tradition. Recently the path that allows you to admire the great choir of the nuns and the extraordinary panorama from the dome through a comfortable lift.
3
Stop 3
Stage in one of the most beautiful squares of Via Etnea, Piazza Università takes its name from the University Building rebuilt here after the earthquake of 1693. The square houses four bronze candelabra, each representative of ancient Catanese legends that we will discover together!
4
Stop 4
A walk in the heart of the Catania baroque! At every corner of Via Crociferi you can admire the greatest examples of Baroque architecture in the city: in just a few meters you can find the Church of San Benedetto and the homonymous arch, the Church of San Francesco Borgia, the Jesuit College, the Church of San Giuliano and the splendid Villa Cerami, seat of the law faculty of the University of Catania.
5
Stop 5
At the intersection of two streets, Piazza Mazzini is inserted as a splendid monumental example of the Catanese baroque with its cross-shaped conformation and its arcades of white marble columns
Meeting & End Point
📍
Meeting Point
Right under the elephant!
🏁
End Point
Right under the elephant!
Find Hotels in Sicily
Good to Know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Known For:
Most Visited Tours
Traveler Reviews
✅ Free Cancellation