Villa Bellini

Villa Bellini is Catania's classic city park with shady avenues, a floral clock, and a hilltop terrace with Etna views. Come for a stroll, people-watching, and the historic music kiosk away from the bustle.

The Bellini Gardens is the oldest of the four main gardens of Catania. It is called “villa”. The garden dates back to the eighteenth century and belonged to the Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello, who had wanted it with the types of hedge mazes typical of that time, statues and fountains as to create water features.

For a peaceful visit, aim to go early in the morning when there are fewer crowds and distractions. Combine your trip to Villa Bellini with an evening stroll through the old town's narrow streets for a charming experience.

It has been the native or adopted home of some of Italy's most famous artists and writers, including the composers Vincenzo Bellini and Giovanni Pacini, and the writers Giovanni Verga, Luigi Capuana, Federico De Roberto and Nino Martoglio. Catania today is the industrial, logistical, and commercial centre of Sicily.