Catania old town brings together Piazza del Duomo, the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, Castello Ursino and historic markets. You can start at the cathedral and market lanes, then continue through the centre to the castle; city centre is about a 17-minute drive from Etna Catania Center.
- Start: Piazza del Duomo, home to the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
- Market: La Pescheria is just behind the square.
- Another landmark: Castello Ursino dates to the 13th century.
- Market timing: La Pescheria and Fera 'o Luni usually operate Monday through Saturday, 08:00–13:00; La Pescheria is closed on Sunday mornings.
Piazza del Duomo and the cathedral
Piazza del Duomo is the central starting point for seeing Catania’s Cathedral of Saint Agatha. The Comune di Catania dates the cathedral’s original construction to 1092 and notes that it was rebuilt after 1693.
Inside, a sculptural work to look for is the sepulchral monument of composer Vincenzo Bellini, made by Giambattista Tassara in 1876. Bellini’s name also connects the cathedral visit with the city’s Teatro Massimo Bellini.
The Comune di Catania lists cathedral hours as 08:00–12:00 each morning and 15:00–18:00 in the afternoon. ArtEcclesiæ Catania lists the Duomo, Achillian Baths, Diocesan Museum and other included sites as open daily from 09:00 to 21:00 April through October, and until 18:00 November through March.
Its listed tickets are €7 standard and €5 reduced for the Duomo, or €12 standard and €10 reduced for the Duomo, Achillian Baths and Diocesan Museum together.
If you want to include the Diocesan Museum, see this guide to museums in Catania while planning the visit.
Castello Ursino and the surrounding streets
Castello Ursino adds a medieval landmark to a walk through Catania’s historic centre. The Comune di Catania describes it as a 13th-century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. It later served as a seat of Parliament and a residence of the Aragonese rulers of Sicily.
Pair the castle with the central square and market area to make a compact route through several of the old town’s named landmarks. For a broader itinerary, use this one-day route through Catania city centre and the market as a companion.
Markets and Baroque architecture
La Pescheria sits directly behind Piazza del Duomo, in lanes around the Amenano Fountain. The Comune di Catania’s tourism guide identifies it as the city’s fish market and places it behind the square. Its open-air lanes make it easy to connect a market visit with time in Piazza del Duomo.
For another historic market, head to Fera 'o Luni in Piazza Carlo Alberto. It sells produce, meat, fish, cheese, clothing and books. Both markets usually operate Monday through Saturday, 08:00–13:00; La Pescheria is closed on Sunday mornings.
Both the fish market and A Fera o Luni are identified as historic markets in the city’s tourism guide. You can follow the market visit with a walk through the surrounding historic streets, then return to the square or continue to another landmark.
Before you go
Opening hours and ticket details can change, so check the official site before you go: consult the Comune di Catania for cathedral information and ArtEcclesiæ Catania for included sites and tickets.
FAQs
Where is La Pescheria in Catania?
La Pescheria is directly behind Piazza del Duomo, in lanes around the Amenano Fountain.
What can you see at Castello Ursino?
The castle is a 13th-century landmark built by Frederick II of Swabia. It later served as a seat of Parliament and a residence of Aragonese rulers of Sicily.
When are Catania’s historic markets open?
La Pescheria and Fera 'o Luni usually operate Monday through Saturday, 08:00–13:00. La Pescheria is closed on Sunday mornings.