The 7 most romantic places in Catania according to Idressitalian
The 7 most romantic places in Catania – Sicily is probably the most iconic Italian region and we all know that lots of artists, fashion designers, writers and composers were born here. Furthermore, the legendary Mount Etna is Sicilian: the UNESCO World Heritage site belongs to Catania’s jurisdiction and this is where we’ll bring you today to help you plan the ultimate romantic date, a city of fire and salty water: let’s discover Catania’s most romantic places. Discover them clicking the below button >
1.Lungomare San Giovanni li Cuti
Catania is a city that separates the Etna volcano from the Jonian Sea and this is our starting point, the promenade made of dark volcanic rocks – called “li cuti” in Sicilian dialect. The contrast between these rocks and the blue sea won’t fail to move you, especially at sunset. San Giovanni li Cuti’s more like a sort of terrace on the Jonian Sea than a simple waterfront. Plus, you’ll find numerous bars and restaurants where to enjoy a fine dinner or drink something. Continue reading clicking >
2.Villa Bellini
This is the right moment to tell you a little secret that will help you whenever you’ll ask for direction in Italy: the word “villa” doesn’t always mean “big house” like in Tuscany; in Sicily it means “garden”. Villa Bellini is a park in the heart of the city and it was part of Prince Paternò Castello’s estate in the XIX century. Modified, enlarged and restored during the centuries, today it’s one of the many jewels of Catania. Opera plays are performed here in Summer and the garden also houses rare subtropical species of plants and flowers. Continue reading clicking >
3.Benedictine Monastery
Founded in the XVI century by the Benedictines of Catania, this building also underwent several restorations and modifications. Today it houses the Università of Catania, but it’s also a wonderful museum that can be visited either at day or at night – we recommend you do because its Sicilian Baroque style is very reminescent of the Moors’ domination, hence you will notice lots of Arabian details, who knows you may meet princess Shahrazad! Continue reading clicking >
4.Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini
The famous composer Bellini was born in Catania, it was only fair that an opera theater be named after him. This building is superb: from the Neo Baroque façade to its richly decorated interiors, the Bellini is considered one of the most beautiful Italian theaters. The famous tenor Gigli deemed the Bellini the best theater of the whole world when it comes to acoustic. You see why we encourage you to come here and live one special night with Italian Opera’s music. Continue reading clicking >
5.The Botanical Garden
This garden houses rare and exotic species of flowers and plants from all over the world, an afternoon spent strolling down its paths will feel like traveling around the globe. If the beauty of the gardens and fountains with nymphs isn’t enough, know that the building is a masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture. Continue reading clicking >
6.Aci Castello
Aci Castello is a town that’s part of Catania’s province and you’ll need a car to reach this wonderful place (you’re gonna need it to visit our next stop anyway). Back then when it was still known as Aci Trezza, the Sicilian-born writer Giovanni Verga set here his literary masterpiece I Malavoglia. Before him, both Roman poets Virgil and Ovidius wrote the story of the passion between a beautiful nymph and a shepherd named Aci. The wonderful fortress known as Castello di Aci was built during the Muslim Period and today it’s a Museum divided into three sections: Paleontology, Museum of Minerals and Archaeology. This town that combines history, breathtaking panoramas and legends of love seems the perfect place where to spend a romantic date with your loved one! Continue reading clicking >
7.Etna
Visiting a’ Muntagna – the mountain in Sicilian dialect – is mandatory, don’t you agree? It doesn’t happen every day to get the chance to visit the snowy top of an active volcano. Check with your travel agency and you’ll see how many options there are: you may go skiing or simply hiking – imagine the sight of the sea from the fiery top, amazing! Otherwise you can book an Enogastronimic tour and taste Sicilian delicacies as well as the Etna wines.
Discover also the 5 most romantic places in Palermo clicking here
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(Credits cover photo: www.vocidicitta.it)