Click here for the 48Hours In Catania map. Next weekend, the Sicilian city of Catania stages one of southern Italy's biggest and most dramatic festivals, the Festa di Sant'Agata. Passions hit fever pitch as up to one million people take to the streets to celebrate the city's patron saint and watch as her relics are paraded around town by teams of white-shirted devotees. Festivities apart, Catania is a delight, with a stately Baroque centre, terrific street markets, great food and a bubbly nightlife.
And winter is a good time to visit: temperatures are mild, about 15C; there are very few tourists around; and Mount Etna provides some thrilling views, its snow-capped summit rising menacingly over the city's rooftops.
British Airways ; ba. To get into town, take the Alibus shuttle from near the terminal building. It departs every 20 minutes between 5. For the historic centre, get off at Piazza Borsellino 2. Sitting at the foot of Mount Etna on Sicily's east coast, Catania is the island's second-largest city after Palermo. Its historic centre, where you'll find the main sights, is compact and easily explored on foot. From the bus stops on Piazza Borsellino 1 , it's a two-minute walk to Piazza Duomo 3 , the city's focal point.
This grandiose square, like much of the old town, was laid out in Baroque style in the 18th century after a volcanic eruption and earthquake devastated the city in the late s. On either side of this imposing traffic-free boulevard, shadowy lanes harbour lots of bars, trattorias and restaurants. Information and free city maps are available at the city tourist office 5 near Piazza Duomo at Via Vittorio Emanuele II 00 39 29 31 ; comune.
It has elegant, understated rooms and rooftop views of Mount Etna. A welcome hideaway with frescoed ceilings, cheerful family clutter and a resident dog, it has three large guest rooms and a couple of mini-apartments. Then head down to Via Pardo to enjoy some street theatre at La Pescheria 9 , the city's exuberant fish market. It's open 9am-1pm and pm daily except Sunday; longer during exhibitions. Duck under the Arco di San Benedetto 12 and continue up Via Crociferi 13 past several elegant baroque churches to Via Gesuiti on the left.
