Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Graeco-Roman site. Set in a crumbling residential neighbourhood with laundry atmo-
spherically flapping on the surrounding rooftops, the main theatre with its half-submerged
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 adja-
cent are the ruins of the smaller Odeon theatre.
Teatro Massimo Bellini
MAP
OPERA HOUSE
GOOGLE MAP
( 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-encrusted 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
MAP
MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
( 095 715 05 35; Piazza San Francesco 3; 9am-1pm Mon-Sat)
In 1801, renowned opera
composer Vincenzo Bellini was born in this house on Piazza San Francesco, now conver-
ted into a museum. The collection comprises an interesting array of Bellini memorabilia,
including original scores, photographs and the composer's death mask.
Museo Civico
MAP
MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
( 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 completely
landlocked.
Villa Bellini
( 8am-8pm)
Escape the madding crowd and enjoy the fine views of Mt Etna from these
lovely gardens along Via Etnea.
PARK
AMPHITHEATRE
Roman Amphitheatre
