Historic palaces in Catania

Catania's palaces tell of the nobility who rebuilt the city after the earthquake of 1693, in lava stone with carved balconies. The Monastero dei Benedettini, a UNESCO site, is the largest complex in the centre and now houses the university: it is visited with a guide. Palazzo Biscari is the most sumptuous, with a Rococo terrace over the harbour, and is visited by reservation. Many other palaces on this page come from imported data: they are often private or offices closed to the public, so check before you go.

The centre is easy to cover on foot; the planner puts the stops in order around the time you have.