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What to do in Catania when it rains

When it rains in Catania the lava paving gets slippery, so wear suitable shoes, but the city is still worth visiting. The Monastero dei Benedettini can fill a morning, the Castello Ursino holds the Civic Museum, and the Baroque churches of Via Crociferi and the Cathedral are minutes apart. The rain usually does not last long.

Below is an indoor route that fills a whole day, and further down every indoor place, sorted by how far it is from you. In the planner you can choose "Indoors only": the outdoor stops drop out and the walks between stops stay short.

An indoor route

  1. Monastero dei Benedettini

    A vast Baroque monastery, now part of the university, whose corridors and basements keep you dry. Visits are guided: check times, and allow over an hour.

  2. Cattedrale di Sant'Agata

    The patron saint's cathedral, on the main square, with Bellini's tomb and the chapel of St Agatha. Beneath it you can see remains of the Roman baths.

  3. Castello Ursino

    The Swabian fortress with the Civic Museum: archaeology, paintings and the story of the volcano that changed the city. An indoor stop good for an hour or more.

  4. Museo Civico Belliniano

    Vincenzo Bellini's birthplace, a few steps from the Cathedral, with scores and memorabilia. Small, indoors, and perfect for waiting out a shower.

  5. Casa Museo Giovanni Verga

    The home of the author of I Malavoglia, with original furnishings and library. A few minutes from the Roman Theatre, for lovers of Sicilian literature.

  6. Museo dello Sbarco in Sicilia

    At the Ciminiere, near the station, the 1943 museum with life-size reconstructions. Just far enough from the centre for a taxi, but all under cover.

In the form, choose "Indoors only": outdoor stops drop out and the walks between stops stay short.

Plan an indoor walk

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Every indoor place in Catania

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see in Catania when it rains?

The Monastero dei Benedettini, the Cathedral, the Castello Ursino, Bellini's and Verga's houses, and the Museo dello Sbarco. Mind the lava paving, which gets slippery.

And with children?

The Castello Ursino and the Museo dello Sbarco are the best choices. More ideas are on the page about what to do in Catania with children.

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