Standing on stoned lava, on the beautiful shore of the most famous island of Italy, Catania is the second largest city of Sicily. Almost 300,000 people live in this city, located on the foothill of a well-known volcano – Etna. The amazing features of the city and of the people that are living within its borders is represented by the status of Mount Etna – the volcano is active and it’s one of the biggest in Europe.

Etna is currently having 3,329 meters, but the height varies, due to the presence or the lack of eruptions. For instance, in 1981, Etna was 21 meters higher. Eruptions are a common spectacle for Catania’s inhabitants. Not less than eight major eruptions took place in the 20th century. The most recent eruption occurred on the 13 November 2008, and lasted for six months, being the longest period of activity ever recorded.

But Catania is not just about this amazing volcano. Resisting here, after hundreds of eruptions, there are numerous exhibits of the city’s great importance in Italy’s history: the Roman ruins, the Baroque period with all the buildings still standing and other castles, streets and fairs that vivify the city’s life.

As any other major Italian city, the streets of the historical center gravitate around the biggest church in town, usually called a Duomo. Catanias’ Duomo is patronized by Saint Agatha of Sicily, and the marvelous baroque building was erected in the 11th Century and rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693. The interior contains samples of Renaissance painting, illustrating the town before the earthquake.

The whole city center was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Right in front of the Duomo, you can find the Elephant’s Fountain, the city’s emblem. On the top of a stone platform, the black lava elephant guards the city’s life, as the legends say. But Saint Agatha’s Cathedral is just one of the 67 churches in the town, most of them being built in the baroque style. The proofs of the Roman Empire can be found in the Roman administrative and entertainment structures that can be found in Catania: the Theater, the Odeon, the Forum and the catacombs. Also, a medieval castle guards the city – Castello Ursino, once on the seashore is now several kilometers away from the sea, due to the eruptions.

Castles, churches, happy people and relaxing beaches – Catania has them all. This city is the best example of Southern Italy’s vitality and cheerful way of living, no matter how nature manifests itself in the surroundings.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

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