Dear tourist,
when you land here, you will caught by the earthy scents of the countryside.
Le Dune Sicily Hotel Staff makes guests feel completely at ease and will be more than happy to guide you to enjoy your holiday to the maximum in Catania, the city of the black stones.
Enjoy your stay
The Duomo Square
Piazza del Duomo is the centre of the city of Catania. The centre of the Piazza del Duomo and at the same time the symbol of Catania is an elephant fountain, the Fontana dell’Elefante. The successful baroque composition of the square and the surrounding buildings such as the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Palazzo del Municipio, and the Amenano Fountain make for an exceptionally beautiful picture.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
The Amenano is a perennial current river; it flows into the sea in the Gulf of Catania.
People of Catania call this fountain “acqua o linzolu” because the water’s fountain pouring like a little waterfall into the river produces a striking and characteristic effect “sheet”. The Greeks believed that it was a deity enough to affect its “Mythological face” (a bull with a human head) on some coins of the fifth century BC.
Do you want to grab some food? Try the “Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab” street-food, just a few steps from the square, where you will find mixed fried fish and arancini of various tastes, wrapped in traditional paper straw cartons.
Shopping handicrafts in Catania are easy to find, especially near the Duomo Square: you will find a wide choice of “pupi siciliani” (sicilian puppets depicting the Charlemagne cycle knights), ceramics made by local artisans and handiworks made from volcanic stone.
The Duomo Square
Piazza del Duomo is the centre of the city of Catania. The centre of the Piazza del Duomo and at the same time the symbol of Catania is an elephant fountain, the Fontana dell’Elefante. The successful baroque composition of the square and the surrounding buildings such as the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, the Palazzo del Municipio, and the Amenano Fountain make for an exceptionally beautiful picture.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
The Amenano is a perennial current river; it flows into the sea in the Gulf of Catania.
People of Catania call this fountain “acqua o linzolu” because the water’s fountain pouring like a little waterfall into the river produces a striking and characteristic effect “sheet”. The Greeks believed that it was a deity enough to affect its “Mythological face” (a bull with a human head) on some coins of the fifth century BC.
Do you want to grab some food? Try the “Scirocco Sicilian Fish Lab” street-food, just a few steps from the square, where you will find mixed fried fish and arancini of various tastes, wrapped in traditional paper straw cartons.
Shopping handicrafts in Catania are easy to find, especially near the Duomo Square: you will find a wide choice of “pupi siciliani” (sicilian puppets depicting the Charlemagne cycle knights), ceramics made by local artisans and handiworks made from volcanic stone.
Ursino Castle
Ursino Castle (Piazza Federico di Svevia) was built between 1239 and 1250 on the order of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Built on a rocky promontory, it served as part of a system of coastal defence but also as a symbol of royal Swabian power.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
In 1669 there was a devastating eruption of Mount Etna. The city and castle were in the path of large lava flows and risked being engulfed. The presence of ramparts and moats however saved them, diverting the lava to the sea. The topography around Ursino Castle changed completely, had it first been a coastal castle positioned on a hill overlooking the sea, afterwards it was situated 500 meters from the seashore and the surrounding ground level had risen 10 feet.
In the district of Via Plebiscito, behind the Ursino castle, you can find numerous shops with characteristic braziers where horse meat is roasted.
Inside the castle you will find the Bookshop CUB, which offers merchandising related to the Castle and its artworks, but also to the exhibitions that will take place; objects from Sicilian artisans and also cultural products and events.
Ursino Castle
Ursino Castle (Piazza Federico di Svevia) was built between 1239 and 1250 on the order of Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor. Built on a rocky promontory, it served as part of a system of coastal defence but also as a symbol of royal Swabian power.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
In 1669 there was a devastating eruption of Mount Etna. The city and castle were in the path of large lava flows and risked being engulfed. The presence of ramparts and moats however saved them, diverting the lava to the sea. The topography around Ursino Castle changed completely, had it first been a coastal castle positioned on a hill overlooking the sea, afterwards it was situated 500 meters from the seashore and the surrounding ground level had risen 10 feet.
In the district of Via Plebiscito, behind the Ursino castle, you can find numerous shops with characteristic braziers where horse meat is roasted.
Inside the castle you will find the Bookshop CUB, which offers merchandising related to the Castle and its artworks, but also to the exhibitions that will take place; objects from Sicilian artisans and also cultural products and events.
The Fish Market
The “Pescheria” (Piscaria in Sicilian language) is the old fish market in Catania, which still retains and preserves the ancient folklore. The only direct “competitor” of this incredibly typical sicilian market is the “Vucciria” in Palermo.
If you want to dive into the oldest and most characteristic place of Catania, absolutely you have to do a tour through the many fish stalls where merchants invite the people to buy fresh fish.
The fish market is placed in front of “Archi della Marina” in a tunnel dug in 16th century under the Palace of the Seminary of the Clerics (Palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici), starting from the Charles V’s entrance to arrive at Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto and Piazza Pardo.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
So many people crowd it all day. It is famous for its colors and its picturesque atmosphere that make it look like an arab “suq”.
Beyond the fish stalls you can find stalls selling fruit and citrus fruit or other typical products of Catania.
The Fish Market
The “Pescheria” (Piscaria in Sicilian language) is the old fish market in Catania, which still retains and preserves the ancient folklore. The only direct “competitor” of this incredibly typical sicilian market is the “Vucciria” in Palermo.
If you want to dive into the oldest and most characteristic place of Catania, absolutely you have to do a tour through the many fish stalls where merchants invite the people to buy fresh fish.
The fish market is placed in front of “Archi della Marina” in a tunnel dug in 16th century under the Palace of the Seminary of the Clerics (Palazzo del Seminario dei Chierici), starting from the Charles V’s entrance to arrive at Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto and Piazza Pardo.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
So many people crowd it all day. It is famous for its colors and its picturesque atmosphere that make it look like an arab “suq”.
Beyond the fish stalls you can find stalls selling fruit and citrus fruit or other typical products of Catania.
The Benedectine Monastery
A jewel of the late Sicilian Baroque architecture and an example of integration among different periods, the Monastery (Piazza Dante Alighieri, 32) is shown in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
This plexus monastic has been recognized as Contemporary Architecture Building by Sicilian Region and from 1977 houses the Humanities faculty.
If you want to visit the Monastery, the Reception will be glad to give you all necessary information.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
Most believe that a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels, which serve mainly as foundations to support the building, have reportedly witnessed love affairs between nuns and friars in the past.
The MonaStore, owned by the the Association Officine Culturali take charge of its value through multiple public initiatives: guided tours, workshops for children and adults, cultural events and entertainment.
The Benedectine Monastery
A jewel of the late Sicilian Baroque architecture and an example of integration among different periods, the Monastery (Piazza Dante Alighieri, 32) is shown in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
This plexus monastic has been recognized as Contemporary Architecture Building by Sicilian Region and from 1977 houses the Humanities faculty.
If you want to visit the Monastery, the Reception will be glad to give you all necessary information.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
Most believe that a labyrinth of subterranean tunnels, which serve mainly as foundations to support the building, have reportedly witnessed love affairs between nuns and friars in the past.
The MonaStore, owned by the the Association Officine Culturali take charge of its value through multiple public initiatives: guided tours, workshops for children and adults, cultural events and entertainment.
Stesicoro Square
Piazza Stesicoro is one of the main and popular squares of the Old Town beacuse its central location and its proximity to the typical market of “Fera o’ Luni“.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
Piazza Stesicoro takes its name from the Greek poet Stesichorus. It is crossed and divided into two parts by the main street, via Etnea. The two sides of the square have different architectural styles: on East stands the monument dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, built in 1882, on the other side the Roman amphitheater.
Sicilians long ago invented Seltz, a cooling and replenishing mixture of sparkling water, lots fresh lemon juice, maybe a spritz of some other flavor, and a vigorous shake of salt. It must be made on the spot and you will find it in many kiosks.
Catania is sometimes referred to as the Milan of Sicily - not so much for the fashion, but for the enterprising spirit. Brand name shopping such as H&M, Mango, Levis, DoDo, the Italian Rinascente and much more can be had along Via Etnea, the main shopping street.
Stesicoro Square
Piazza Stesicoro is one of the main and popular squares of the Old Town beacuse its central location and its proximity to the typical market of “Fera o’ Luni“.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
Piazza Stesicoro takes its name from the Greek poet Stesichorus. It is crossed and divided into two parts by the main street, via Etnea. The two sides of the square have different architectural styles: on East stands the monument dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini, built in 1882, on the other side the Roman amphitheater.
Sicilians long ago invented Seltz, a cooling and replenishing mixture of sparkling water, lots fresh lemon juice, maybe a spritz of some other flavor, and a vigorous shake of salt. It must be made on the spot and you will find it in many kiosks.
Catania is sometimes referred to as the Milan of Sicily - not so much for the fashion, but for the enterprising spirit. Brand name shopping such as H&M, Mango, Levis, DoDo, the Italian Rinascente and much more can be had along Via Etnea, the main shopping street.
Massimo Bellini Theatre
The Massimo Bellini Theatre is the place where it stages the opera, built by the famous Italian architect Carlo Sada. Completed in 1890 and made for homegrown composer Vincenzo Bellini, the Bellini Theatre has been celebrated by different tenors such as Pavarotti, Corelli, Nucci, etc…
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
During its opening, in 1890, it was staged the representation of Bellini’s masterwork ‘Norma’. “Pari ‘na Norma,” (you look like a Norma) is the most appreciated compliment by the fellow citizens of Bellini, the Swan of Catania. It might be considered as “you are the top”!
If you want to enjoy the best of traditional Sicilian sweets, you can visit the shop in Via Mancini “Arena Biscotti”, just a few steps from the theatre.
We suggest you to try the famous and traditional ESSE biscuits, flavored with aniseed. In the historic store, on the corner of piazza Università, you can immerse yourself in a myriad of smells and tastes of the most ancient and traditional art of confectionery in the city.
Are you looking for a souvenir of Sicily to bring home? By Top Sicily, situated in Via Monsignor Ventimiglia 43, you will find the best Sicilian delicacies and products. By Top Sicily you will find sauces, patés and pesto, pickled olives and vegetables, typical wines and liqueurs, Sicilian honey and a selection of sweet delicacies.
Massimo Bellini Theatre
The Massimo Bellini Theatre is the place where it stages the opera, built by the famous Italian architect Carlo Sada. Completed in 1890 and made for homegrown composer Vincenzo Bellini, the Bellini Theatre has been celebrated by different tenors such as Pavarotti, Corelli, Nucci, etc…
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
During its opening, in 1890, it was staged the representation of Bellini’s masterwork ‘Norma’. “Pari ‘na Norma,” (you look like a Norma) is the most appreciated compliment by the fellow citizens of Bellini, the Swan of Catania. It might be considered as “you are the top”!
If you want to enjoy the best of traditional Sicilian sweets, you can visit the shop in Via Mancini “Arena Biscotti”, just a few steps from the theatre.
We suggest you to try the famous and traditional ESSE biscuits, flavored with aniseed. In the historic store, on the corner of piazza Università, you can immerse yourself in a myriad of smells and tastes of the most ancient and traditional art of confectionery in the city.
Are you looking for a souvenir of Sicily to bring home? By Top Sicily, situated in Via Monsignor Ventimiglia 43, you will find the best Sicilian delicacies and products. By Top Sicily you will find sauces, patés and pesto, pickled olives and vegetables, typical wines and liqueurs, Sicilian honey and a selection of sweet delicacies.
Bellini’s Garden
Villa Bellini is the ideal place where to take a relaxing walk with your family. Better known as Bellini’s Villa, it’s in the heart of Catania: you can come in from several sides, but the main entrance is located along the famous via Etnea. We suggest you to walk along the illustrious men’s avenue. Another attraction is the Botanical Clock – a date display of flowers, which is updated and replanted daily.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
In the sixties a small zoo was built inside where were swans, monkeys, reptiles, snakes and the famous small Indian elephant donated to the city by Orfei’s Circus. Today the Bellini Garden hosts religious, music and cultural events.
We suggest you to visit the “Pasticceria Savia” just in front of the Villa, on the corner of Via Etnea and Via Umberto, the main rendezvous point in Catania, for two main things to taste: 1) granita and brioche ; 2) Catania's typical finger food, such as arancini, cannoli and almond sweets. In the city centre there isn't anything better.
Always remember Via Etnea, the main shopping street, and its well known brands.
Bellini’s Garden
Villa Bellini is the ideal place where to take a relaxing walk with your family. Better known as Bellini’s Villa, it’s in the heart of Catania: you can come in from several sides, but the main entrance is located along the famous via Etnea. We suggest you to walk along the illustrious men’s avenue. Another attraction is the Botanical Clock – a date display of flowers, which is updated and replanted daily.
- Curiosity
- Break
- Shopping
In the sixties a small zoo was built inside where were swans, monkeys, reptiles, snakes and the famous small Indian elephant donated to the city by Orfei’s Circus. Today the Bellini Garden hosts religious, music and cultural events.
We suggest you to visit the “Pasticceria Savia” just in front of the Villa, on the corner of Via Etnea and Via Umberto, the main rendezvous point in Catania, for two main things to taste: 1) granita and brioche ; 2) Catania's typical finger food, such as arancini, cannoli and almond sweets. In the city centre there isn't anything better.
Always remember Via Etnea, the main shopping street, and its well known brands.