Catania is a city located south of the active Mount Etna and is the second-largest city on the island of Sicily, Italy, situated on the shores of the Ionian Sea. It is a unique blend of old and new, with its history and character deeply connected to Mount Etna, which towers above the city. Founded in the 8th century BC, Catania has been repeatedly devastated by major earthquakes, including those in 1169 and 1693. In 1434, it became home to the first university in Sicily.

Catania's distinctive appearance is characterized by the gray volcanic stone used in many public buildings and palaces. Notable landmarks include Castello Ursino, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II, Porta Uzeda, the medieval Gothic-Catalan Arch of Saint John of Freri on Via Cestai, Porta Ferdinandea (or Porta Garibaldi), a triumphal arch built in 1768, and the Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini, inaugurated in 1890 in honor of the famous composer born in Catania.

The Cathedral of Sant'Agata, dedicated to the city's patron saint, is another major attraction, alongside the Monastero della Santissima Trinità, the Basilica della Collegiata, Palazzo degli Elefanti, San Giuliano Church, Palazzo Biscari, and Villa Cerami. Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, remains a top attraction, and its influence is visible in the local landscape and culture, especially in spectacular areas like the Alcantara Gorge. For the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was considered the temple of Vulcan, the god of fire.

Catania hosts numerous festivals and annual events, such as the Santa Agata Festival in February, a religious-themed celebration, the Music and Arts Festival in July, featuring various musical styles and art exhibitions, and Etnafest, a multicultural event including music, art, and film.

This baroque city can be explored via several airlines, including Lufthansa, TAROM, ITA Airways, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.