A modestly sized hotel on Catania’s high street – Via Etnea – the Hotel Agathae is right in the thick of the action. From our hotel door one looks left toward the Cathedral of Sant’Agata (St. Agatha), the heart of the city, and right toward the looming bulk of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.

The stunning architecture of Catania strikes the visitor almost immediately, though much of this great city was destroyed in 1693 by a devastating earthquake. Much was rebuilt in the 18th century, during the period of Bourbon rule, resulting in many of the stunning edifices today retaining that out of time grandeur.

Ok, so we don't have a Colosseum or an Uffizi Gallery, but we have the best nightlife of any city in Italy, our town is beautiful and interesting, it's near the beach and in the shadow of an active volcano, and it's a whole lot cheaper to have a good time here than in mainland Italy. in addition to all that, us Sicilians are the friendliest and most hospitable people in Italy - really - ask anyone!

The city is a modest size and the best way to get around is on foot. The aforementioned Duomo, which represents the beating heart of the city, is a short stroll down Via Etnea, passing through the impressive Piazza Univeritá. The Duomo, like much of the city, was rebuilt after the earthquake but the original cathedral dated back to the 12th century. Saint Agatha, the patron saint of the city, was martyred here in the 3rd century AD and is said to protect the city from the formidable Mount Etna that overshadows much of the east coast of Sicily.

How to find us

As you can see from the map above, Via Etnea is the principal street running from north to south through Catania. If arriving by car simply follow signs for the centre and Via Etnea. Hotel Agathae is at number 229.

If you’re arriving by train or coach either from Catania Airport or other parts of Sicily, you’ll most likely come into Catania Central Station, which is about a 20 minute walk from the centre. Any taxi journey within the city of Catania costs a fixed price of €10 to tourists.

If you’re arriving by ferry or hovercraft to the Port of Catania the same goes – a 20 minute walk or a €10 taxi journey.

Print out the map above to help you find your way here. When you arrive we’ll be able to give you a tourist map covering the city centre in more detail.