Catania is a beautiful city on the eastern coast of Sicily whose atmosphere tells the long history from which it springs. Its cultural influences, from the Greek era to the Spanish, are everywhere in its monuments. What characterises it most, however, is undoubtedly Etna, the volcano that its inhabitants regard as a living presence and that lends it a unique charm and panorama. Let us explore the places to visit in order to understand its uniqueness and beauty.

The 10 places in Catania you cannot miss to truly understand it

Catania is best explored on foot, to soak up its atmosphere: that of the fish market and the many kiosks selling selz, salt and lemon to quench your thirst on hot summer days; but also the history-rich atmosphere left by the various cultures that have inhabited it. Those visiting should know that there is a fierce rivalry with Palermo, but Catania has nothing to envy and indeed has something unique: Etna, the volcano regarded almost as a deity.

For those who prefer not to walk, there is also a metro line and a good bus network. Bike sharing is also available.

1. Piazza del Duomo and the Fontana dell'elefante

Piazza Duomo is itself a monument and a gathering place for locals and tourists alike: this is where the rebuilding of the city began after the devastating earthquake of 1693, and it is also home to the town hall and the cathedral consecrated to Sant'Agata. During the eighteenth century, the great Sicilian architects designed it in the Baroque style, and today it is also a Unesco World Heritage Site for its uniqueness and beauty. What will capture your attention in the square, however, is the Fontana dell'Elefante, the symbol of Catania, a work by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini.

Tips for your visit:

• The Cathedral can be visited free of charge; if you would like to join a guided tour, opening times are available here. The cost is €4.
• Beneath Piazza Duomo lie the Terme Achilliane, and behind the Fontana dell'Amenano is the typical fish market, the Pescheria, a reminder that the sea is just a few steps away.

2. Monastero dei Benedettini

The Monastero dei Benedettini is one of the largest convents in Europe. Founded in 1558, it underwent several modifications and reconstructions as a result of the catastrophic natural events that in 1669 and 1693 devastated Catania and destroyed much of the building. The reconstruction was carried out by the leading Sicilian architects — among them Giovan Battista Vaccarini. The complex comprises a new cloister, the garden, the Caffeaos and the spaces devoted to the monks' daily and communal life: the library, the kitchens, the novitiate wing, the refectories and the night choir. There is also a church, dedicated to San Nicolò l'Arena, annexed to the new monastic complex but left unfinished.

Tips for your visit:

• It is possible to join guided tours, including evening ones, and activities for children are also organised.
• Inside the Monastery is the splendid Biblioteca Ursino Recupero — do visit it, but note that it is closed in August.

3. Teatro romano

The Teatro romano, one of the largest in Italy, stands in Piazza Stesicoro and is believed to date from around the mid-second century BC. Its outer circumference is 309 metres, the arena circumference is 192 metres, and it has been estimated that it could hold 15,000 seated spectators and almost twice that number with the addition of scaffolding for standing places. It is now almost entirely hidden beneath modern buildings but is visible below street level. It has recently been reopened to the public.

Tips for your visit:

• Next door is the Odeon — do not miss it. It frequently serves as a venue for performances as well.

4. Castello Ursino

Castello Ursino was built at the behest of Frederick II of Swabia, between 1239 and 1250. Originally the building stood very close to the sea and was surrounded by a moat and highly advanced defensive works. During the eruption of 1669, it was engulfed by lava, and as the flow continued towards the sea it moved the castle several hundred metres further from the shoreline. Today it houses the Museo Civico, the most important museum in Catania for the breadth and variety of its collection.

Tips for your visit:

• The museum is open every day and admission costs €6.
• Among the works on display, the most noteworthy is the "Madonna con bambino" by Antonello da Saliba (1466–1535).

5. Via Etnea

Via Etnea is the main street of Catania's city centre. It is approximately 3 kilometres long and runs from Piazza del Duomo to Tondo Gioeni. The stretch from Piazza del Duomo to the Quattro Canti is now a pedestrian zone. Those who enjoy shopping come here, as it is lined with numerous shops, making it one of the busiest streets in the city both during the day and in the evening hours. Indeed, the surrounding streets are home to around a hundred venues, including restaurants, breweries, pubs and pizzerias.

6. Giardino Bellini

The Museo dello sbarco in Sicilia – 1943 is dedicated to the historic Second World War event that set Sicily, and all of Italy, on the path to liberation from German occupation. Visitors invariably come away captivated. Inside you will find a rich display of weapons, uniforms, footage, photographs and various objects from the wartime period. The settings on the ground floor are spectacular, while the reconstruction of the air-raid shelter — complete with sound effects and a realistic reproduction of voices and tremors — is particularly striking and evocative.

8. Teatro Massimo Bellini

The Teatro Bellini, which overlooks the square of the same name, was inaugurated on 31 May 1890 with a performance of Vincenzo Bellini's Norma. Also known simply as il Massimo, it is dedicated exclusively to opera and concerts. Seeing an opera here is an experience not to be missed. You will be left in awe by the theatre's sumptuous and elegant interior.

• Book a performance for the new season, which begins in autumn.
• If you simply want to visit the theatre, you can take part in guided tours.

9. Porta Garibaldi

Porta Garibaldi, once known as Porta Ferdinandea, is a triumphal arch built in 1768 in Catania to commemorate the centenary of the historic 1669 eruption that had buried the western part of the city. At the time, Ferdinand of Bourbon was married, and the gate was named after him. It stands between Piazza Palestro and Piazza Crocifisso, in the Fortino district, known in Catanese dialect as Furtinu. The monument is built using local materials: white stone from Syracuse and blocks of dark lava.

10. Etna

The Etna volcano is perhaps the greatest, most exceptional and most wonderful attraction of the city of Catania. At 3,343 metres, it is the highest active volcano in Europe and was inscribed in 2013 by Unesco on the World Heritage list of Unesco. The volcano, which is constantly monitored, remains a must-see destination for anyone visiting this area, in every season: in summer to take in the lush vegetation, in winter to enjoy the spectacle of the snow-capped summit, perhaps travelling up to altitude on the cable car.

Visiting tips:

• It is very important to rely on experienced, authorised guides for a tour on Etna.
• If you decide to go trekking, dress appropriately, as it can be cold at altitude, even in summer.
• The best times for a tour are dawn and sunset.

Catania is so much more than these 10 places, but a tour taking in these stops can give you a feel for the city and leave you wanting to discover more — perhaps of its surroundings too.