For what to do in Catania for a day, build your route around Piazza del Duomo, the historic market of La Pescheria, a Roman-era stop and Villa Bellini. Catania city centre is about a 17-minute drive from Etna Catania Center, giving you a straightforward starting point for a day among the city’s central sights.
- Start: Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Saint Agatha.
- Market: La Pescheria sits behind Piazza del Duomo, around Piazza Pardo and Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto.
- Continue: Browse the old town, add a Roman-era stop, then head towards Villa Bellini.
- Market timing: La Pescheria is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Start at Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is a natural first stop for a day in Catania, with the Cathedral of Saint Agatha and the Elephant Fountain as central landmarks. Take in the square before heading behind it to the market; that order puts La Pescheria next on your route without doubling back.
If you want more context for the landmarks and streets around the square, use this guide to Catania old town sights as a companion to your walk.
Browse La Pescheria and the old town
La Pescheria is Catania’s historic fish market, known in Sicilian as “a Piscarìa,” and it lies just behind Piazza del Duomo. The city tourism portal gives its address as Piazza Pardo; its stalls also extend into Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto and Piazza Pardo, towards the Archi della Marina.
To reach the market, look for the lava-stone staircase behind the Fontana dell’Amenano. It leads down to the market area, where a gallery was created in 1814 by cutting into the earthwork of the 16th-century walls built by Charles V. The gate opened there was named Porta Carlo V.
Continue towards the Archi della Marina to see the market’s wider setting. The viaduct opened in 1869 and is built with arches of gray basalt and ivory-colored stone.
La Pescheria is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Catania has another historic market, Fera ‘o Luni, in Piazza Carlo Alberto, which is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. For more on the city’s markets and historic streets, see this Catania old town guide.
Add a Roman-era stop
A Roman-era stop makes a fitting next chapter after the market and old town. The Roman Theatre of Catania is the named stop for this part of the day; keep it as a separate visit in your plan before continuing towards Villa Bellini.
For a practical overview of getting around between central sights, consult the guide to Catania public transport.
Finish around Villa Bellini
Finish your day around Villa Bellini, also known as Giardino Bellini. It gives the itinerary a change of scene after the market lanes and the Roman-era stop. To compare it with other green spaces in the city, see this guide to parks in Catania.
Before you go: Check the official site before you go for current market details. The Comune di Catania’s cultural-tourism guide includes entries for La Pescheria and A Fera o Luni.
FAQs
Where is La Pescheria in Catania?
La Pescheria is behind Piazza del Duomo, around Piazza Pardo and Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto. The city tourism portal lists its address as Piazza Pardo.
How do you get down to La Pescheria?
A lava-stone staircase behind the Fontana dell’Amenano leads down to the market.
What is the name of Catania’s historic fish market in Sicilian?
La Pescheria is known in Sicilian as “a Piscarìa.”
What is another historic market in Catania?
Fera ‘o Luni is another of Catania’s historic markets and is located in Piazza Carlo Alberto.