Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Via Vittorio Emanuele II 262; adult/reduced incl Casa Liberti €4/2; 9am-1pm & 2.30pm-1hr before
sunset Tue-Sun)
These twin theatres west of Piazza del Duomo constitute Catania's most im-
pressive Graeco-Roman site. Set in a crumbling residential neighbourhood with laundry
atmospherically flapping on the surrounding rooftops, the main theatre with its half-sub-
merged stage is flanked by
Casa Liberti
, an elegantly restored 19th-century
palazzo
that
now houses two millennia worth of artefacts discovered during the theatres' excavation.
Directly adjacent are the ruins of the smaller Odeon theatre.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
OPERA HOUSE
( 095 730 61 11;
www.teatromassimobellini.it
; Via Perrotta 12; guided tours €2; tours 9.30am &
10.30am Tue, Thu & Sat)
A few blocks northeast of the
duomo
, this sumptuous, gilt-encrus-
ted opera house forms the centrepiece of Piazza Bellini. Both piazza and opera house were
named after composer Vincenzo Bellini, the father of Catania's vibrant modern musical
scene.
Museo Belliniano
MUSEUM
( 095 715 05 35; Piazza San Francesco 3; 9am-1pm Mon-Sat)
In 1801, renowned op-
era composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in this house on Piazza San Francesco, now con-
verted into a museum. The collection comprises an interesting array of Bellini memorabil-
ia, including original scores, photographs and the composer's death mask.
Museo Civico
MUSEUM
( 095 34 58 30; Piazza Federico II di Svevia; adult/reduced €6/4.80; 9am-1pm & 3-7pm Mon-Sat,
8.30am-1.30pm Sun)
Housed in the grim looking 13th-century Castello Ursino, Catania's
civic museum holds the noble Biscari family's collection of paintings, vases, sculpture,
coins and other archaeological finds. This foreboding castle once guarded the city from
atop a seafront cliff; however, the 1693 earthquake altered the landscape, leaving it com-
pletely landlocked.
PARK
Villa Bellini
