WHAT TO SEE IN CATANIA?

Itineraries in Catania

1) Cathedral Square and the Elephant Fountain

Catania's Cathedral Square is the city's main square, where three roads converge, namely Via Etnea, the city's historic axis, Via Giuseppe Garibaldi and Via Vittorio Emanuele II. On the eastern side of the square stands the Cathedral of St. Agatha the main place of worship in Catania, dedicated to the city's patron saint celebrated on February 5. The cathedral preserves different styles: from Norman, to Baroque, to Neoclassicism; moreover, it is the only example of a "church-fortress" in Italy. The churchyard is accessed via a short marble staircase culminating in a wrought-iron gate adorned with 10 bronze saints. Inside, altar elevations consist of pictorial works characterized by monumental Baroque-style frames of carved and gilded wood. At the end of the right aisle opens the chapel dearest to all Catanese, an authentic treasure chest of art treasures, a room dedicated to St. Agatha. On the north side of the square is the Palazzo degli Elefanti, that is, the Town Hall. On the other side of the square are the Amenano fountain, into which coins are thrown (as in the fountain in Rome). In the center of the square is what is the symbol of Catania, namely, "u Liotru," a lava stone statue depicting an elephant, topped by an obelisk, placed in the center of a marble fountain.

2) A Piscaria the Fish Market.

A Piscaria is the ancient fish market in the city of Catania and is included in the tourist trail because of the experience of passing among the fishmongers' stalls. The market is always crowded and the incessant hubbub of the vendors creates an almost Arab background and you can feel the typical atmosphere of a medina.

3) Roman Theater and Odeon

The Roman Theater of Catania is located in the historical center of the city of Etna, its present appearance dates back to the 2nd century; to the east it borders a smaller theater, known as the Odeon. The visible theater structure belongs to the large constructions of the genre from the Antonine period, consisting of a complex stage, decorated with marble columns later made monumental with the addition of niches and faux perspective rooms that were meant to create the illusion of greater depth. The Odéon in Catania, next to the Roman Theater is still used for summer performances. The semicircular building, having a capacity of about 1,500 spectators, is characterized by eighteen walls that form long narrow wedges within which there are seventeen covered rooms.

4) Mount Etna Volcano

Etna, also known as Mongibello, is an active volcano in Sicily that originated in the Quaternary period and is the highest active volcano in Europe. Its frequent eruptions over time have profoundly altered the surrounding landscape and on many occasions posed a threat to residential settlements on its slopes. On June 21, 2013, the Committee UNESCO has listed Mount Etna as a World Heritage Site. Etna rises on the east coast of Sicily, southwest of the Peloritani Mountains and southeast of the Nebrodi Mountains, in the territory of the city of Catania. The volcano is classified among those defined as shield volcanoes and its height varies over time due to its eruptions, the most recent measurements revealed that Etna's height is about 3400 meters. The four summit craters are: the Voragine and Bocca Nuova, the Northeast Crater and the Southeast Crater, which is currently the highest point on Etna. Its surface is characterized by a rich variety of environments that alternate between urban landscapes, dense forests that preserve several endemic botanical species to desolate areas covered by magmatic rock and periodically subject to snowfall at the highest altitudes. Tourist areas from where one can start hiking to the top of the volcano can be easily reached from the south and northeast slopes where the volcano's two ski resorts (Etna south and Etna north) are also located. Etna is particularly suitable for winter sports such as downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering and snowboarding. There are also specialized guides and all-terrain vehicles that safely take visitors to the summit craters.

5) Acicastello and Acitrezza

Aci Castello and the other Aci towns derive their origin from Xiphonia, a mysterious vanished Greek city, probably now in the municipality of Aci Catena. The castle of Aci is the town's main site of interest; the fortification was the centerpiece of the development of the Aci territory in the Middle Ages. The castle stands on a promontory of lava rock, overlooking the cobalt-blue sea and inaccessible except by a masonry staircase. The wooden drawbridge that no longer exists today occupied part of the entrance steps. Aci Trezza is a hamlet of Aci Castello a center of ancient fishing tradition, founded in the late 17th century, the town faces the Ionian Sea in front of the small archipelago of the Isole Ciclopi, a site of naturalistic and geological interest. Aci Trezza is also known for being the place where Giovanni Verga's novel I Malavoglia was set. The coast of Aci Trezza is entirely within the boundaries of the Marine Protected Area of the Isole Ciclopi place where the first eruptions of Etna began! The Cyclops stacks: these are eight basaltic rocks that, according to legend, were thrown by Polyphemus at Ulysses to hinder his escape. Not far from the coast, there is also Lachea Island, identified as the Homeric Island of the Goats.

6) Caltagirone and its Ceramics

Caltagirone is an urban center straddling eastern and central Sicily, overlooking between the island's two largest plains: those of Catania and Gela. Known for its traditional production of ceramics, today it is an important agricultural and tourist center. The historic center, characterized by the late Baroque style, has been awarded the title of World Heritage Site by the 'UNESCO in 2002. The cathedral basilica of San Giuliano is the main place of worship in Caltagirone, a church of Norman origin that underwent several reconstructions due to earthquakes that struck the area. The Stairway of Santa Maria del Monte was built in 1606 in order to connect the old part of Caltagirone to the new city built in the upper part. The staircase, over 130 meters long, is flanked by balconied buildings and is now one of the city's identifying monuments. A faience covering with floral and geometric themes has been applied to each step riser. The staircase is annually illuminated on July 24 and 25 for the feast of St. James, the city's patron saint, by thousands of living flame candles. On this occasion all forms of electric lighting are discontinued; the resulting visual result is a kind of lava flow. The Museum of Ceramics in Caltagirone specializes in displaying artifacts of ceramics made in Sicily since prehistoric times.Inside is a vast collection of ceramics, some 2,500 artifacts, which provide visitors with a broad view of the history of the art of ceramics.

7) Monte Serra Park and Butterfly House

Located in the municipality of Viagrande, on the slopes of Mount Etna, Monte Serra Park takes its name from the mountain of the same name on which it is built, covering an area of about 30 hectares. The park protects a rich natural environment by offering visitors an easily accessible oasis of greenery: in addition to the volcanic cone covered by Mediterranean scrub, there is an oak forest, nature trails and areas equipped for environmental use and education. Thanks to the careful defense of the territory, the flora and fauna of this environment have been increasingly enriched with new elements, boasting today the stable presence of species of great naturalistic value. In the park there is the Butterfly House, a large tropical greenhouse where hundreds of butterflies, among the most beautiful and extraordinary in the world, with the most varied shapes and colors, are free to fly and be admired.

8) Acireale and Santa Maria la Scala

Acireale is a city located halfway along the Ionian coast of Sicily; it is known, in particular, for its carnival, baroque architecture, natural beauty, and lava coastline. It includes in its territory a series of seaside villages with small ports, including Santa Maria la Scala. The center of Acireale is the Piazza del Duomo, overlooked by some of the city's most important buildings, including the Cathedral Church, the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, the Town Hall, and the Modò Palace. Acireale Cathedral is dedicated to Maria Santissima Annunziata, but is commonly attributed to the cult of Santa Venera, the patron saint. On the southern outskirts are the thermal baths of Santa Venera, built in the neoclassical style within the English garden. The Carnival of Acireale, among the most important in Sicily and Italy, is a competition for the most beautiful allegorical, flowered and miniature floats. The hamlet of Santa Maria la Scala can be reached by the characteristic road of the "Chiazzette," which is not carriageable and climbs up the Timpa and is an interesting nature trail. The hamlet is frequented as a seaside resort with a small beach of large lava stone pebbles smoothed by wave motion.

9) Oxena Falls

Oxena (or Ossena) Falls is a natural waterfall in the territory of Militello in Val di Catania. These are natural waterfalls located south of the territory of Militello, bordering the territory of Francofonte. Set in an environmental context characterized by riparian species that accompany the watercourse and by the presence of wild olive trees, carob trees, oaks, prickly pears, tamarisks and oleanders, the falls are fed on a permanent basis by the Oxena stream. Basaltic rocks characterize, in the section including the falls, the Oxena stream bed. The environment around is formed by verdant quarries and sunny plateaus. The Oxena waterfalls constitute today one of the most intact natural environments of the Catanese Iblei. The falls are active all year round, ensuring the presence of water even during periods of drought.

10) Timpa Nature Reserve

Timpa Oriented Nature Reserve is a protected natural area located on a promontory about 80 m high near the coast of Acireale. The reserve is characterized by stepped rocks of volcanic origin and several faults where dense vegetation grows. It is a massif formed in steps and faults, originating since the central crater seems to emerge with its lavas from the sea. It is formed by a superposition of layers that occurred in the various epochs. Due to the particular conformation, which makes access and fruition impervious, the territory of the reserve is preserved and largely absolutely untouched. Due to its particularity, the promontory was used over the centuries as a military stronghold, especially for purposes of defense against pirate raids through the Tocco Fortress.

11) Monastery of the Benedictines

The Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena in Catania, now home to the Department of Humanities of the University, is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe and a masterpiece of late Sicilian Baroque, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Founded in 1558 by Cassinese monks on the hill of Montevergine, the monastery has endured centuries of turbulent events: damaged by the lava flow of 1669 and partially destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693, it was rebuilt starting in 1702 and gradually expanded until it reached its present appearance. Visiting it is like reading an open book of history and architecture. Remnants of the original 16th-century layout survive, such as the Marble Cloister with its elegant Carrara marble columns, while the 18th-century reconstructions gave the complex a sumptuous Baroque character, enriched with cloisters, hanging gardens, and large spaces for monastic life. The Church of San Nicolò, envisioned as a “little Sicilian St. Peter’s,” remained unfinished, yet still impresses with its vast dimensions. In addition to its cloisters and gardens, the monastery preserves two Roman domus and houses the Museum of the Fabbrica, which tells the story of the complex through the centuries. After the suppression of religious orders in the 19th century, the building was used for civic and military purposes, until it became a university seat in the 1980s. Walking through its halls, cloisters, and suspended gardens, one breathes in the spirit of a place that has managed to transform itself without ever losing its grandeur and beauty.

12) Ursino Castle

Castello Ursino, built by Frederick II of Swabia starting in 1239 to a design by the architect Riccardo da Lentini, is one of the most imposing symbols of medieval Catania. Originally conceived as a defensive stronghold within a vast system of coastal fortifications ordered by the emperor, it also served as a royal residence and the stage for crucial events in Sicilian history. During the Sicilian Vespers, the Parliament that proclaimed Frederick III of Aragon king gathered within its walls, turning the fortress into the seat of the Aragonese court until the 15th century. In the centuries that followed, the castle was adapted to new functions: a Renaissance fortress and, above all, a prison—its cells still bearing countless graffiti etched by inmates, fragments of life carved into stone. The great eruption of Mount Etna in 1669 and the earthquake of 1693 radically altered the surrounding landscape: lava engulfed the castle, submerged its bastions, and pushed the coastline farther back, leaving what had once been a seaside fortress now standing in the heart of the city. After centuries of decay and transformations, the castle was restored in the 1930s and became home to the Civic Museum of Catania. Today, within its lava-stone walls and vast vaulted halls, it houses the priceless collections of the Biscari family and the Benedictines, together with works that tell the story and identity of the city of Etna.

13) Riviera dei Ciclopi

The Riviera dei Ciclopi is one of the most fascinating places along the Catania coast, where myth and nature intertwine. According to legend, the great basalt sea stacks rising from the waters of Acitrezza were hurled by the Cyclops Polyphemus at Ulysses as he fled after blinding him. In reality, these imposing rock formations are the result of Etna’s primordial eruptions, which long ago shaped the coastline into a landscape unique in the world. At the heart of the Riviera lies the Cyclopean Archipelago, made up of Lachea Island and a series of sea stacks now protected within the Isole Ciclopi Marine Reserve. Here nature offers an extraordinary ecosystem: seagrass meadows and algae grow on the volcanic seabed, while crustaceans, fish, and sponges shelter among the rocks. Lachea Island is also home to an endemic lizard species, Lacerta sicula ciclopica, which adds to the area’s natural heritage. The island, donated to the University of Catania at the end of the 19th century, also preserves important historical traces: rock-cut tombs, caves inhabited in prehistoric times, and remains that testify to ancient settlements. Today it hosts a small museum and serves as a valuable natural laboratory for scholars and enthusiasts alike. Walking along the Riviera dei Ciclopi, between Aci Castello and Acitrezza, means immersing oneself in a true open-air geological park, where Homer’s legends merge with Sicily’s millennia-old history and the beauty of a seascape of extraordinary charm.

14) Bronte the City of Pistachios

Lying on the slopes of Mount Etna, Bronte overlooks the Simeto Valley from above, surrounded by landscapes of lava flows and fertile lands that for centuries have nurtured rich and varied crops. According to legend, the city was founded by the Cyclops Bronte, son of Neptune and blacksmith of Vulcan in the forge of Mongibello. History, however, tells of a territory inhabited since antiquity by pre-Hellenic peoples, later by Siceliots, Romans, and, in the following centuries, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans. Its greatest development came in the 16th century, when its urban layout was defined and many of its Renaissance-style buildings were erected. Bronte is world-renowned for its “green gold”: pistachios, which thrive here in a unique habitat created by volcanic soil and a special climate. This variety has obtained D.O.P. certification and is the basis of an extraordinary culinary tradition. From the famous pistachio pesto to creams, brittle nougats, and baked goods such as panettone and colombe, not to mention savory dishes like arancini—everything bears the unmistakable mark of this precious fruit. Strolling through the historic center, one encounters remarkable churches such as the Church of the Annunziata, the Church of the Rosary, San Giovanni, and Santa Maria della Catena, reflecting the town’s rich religious life. Among civic buildings, the 18th-century Collegio Capizzi stands out, alongside the nearby Church of the Sacred Heart, while just outside the town (about 13 km away) lies the Abbey of Santa Maria di Maniace, an evocative example of Sicilian-Norman architecture set within a timeless landscape. Bronte, therefore, is a town where myth and history, art and nature, centuries-old traditions and unique flavors come together to reveal to visitors the most authentic soul of Sicily.

15) Villa Bellini

Villa Bellini is the green heart of Catania and one of its oldest gardens. Created in the 18th century as the private residence of Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello, it was transformed into a public park in the 19th century and has since remained a beloved place for both citizens and visitors. The garden unfolds around two small hills that shape ever-changing sceneries: manicured lawns, hedges, tree-lined avenues, fountains, and sculptures that create an elegant and harmonious atmosphere. From the grand entrance on Via Etnea, a staircase leads up to the top of the southern hill, where stands the refined Chiosco della Musica, an iron pavilion that once hosted open-air concerts. Not far away, a panoramic viewpoint offers an unforgettable sight of Mount Etna’s smoking summit. On the western side of the park stretches the Viale degli Illustri, an evocative avenue lined with busts celebrating great figures from the history of Catania and Italy. Villa Bellini is not just a garden but a place of memory and encounter, able to tell the story of the city through nature, art, and culture.

16) Lake Gurrida

Lake Gurrida is a small natural jewel set on the western slope of Mount Etna, between the towns of Bronte and Randazzo. Its origin dates back to 1536, when a lateral lava flow blocked the course of the Flascio River, thus creating this body of water that still today lives in symbiosis with the volcano and its natural phenomena. The lake is fed by rivulets and streams that continue to flow among the lava rocks, giving it an ever-changing appearance. What makes Gurrida truly fascinating is its “shifting” nature: in winter and spring, heavy rains and melting snow swell the Flascio to the point of flooding the lake, which then overflows into the surrounding fields and vineyards, creating scenes of rare enchantment, with submerged vines and Mount Etna’s cone in the background. In summer, the opposite can occur: the lake suddenly dries up, almost disappearing entirely—a phenomenon due to the permeability of its lava bed, which absorbs the water only to release it again in the form of small streams and springs known as the Favare di Santa Venera. Around the lake unfolds an environment rich in biodiversity: poplars, willows, and brambles alternate with cultivated vineyards, while numerous migratory birds—herons, storks, and even pond turtles—find their ideal habitat here. Observation huts allow for birdwatching, making the visit an even more immersive experience. Gurrida is therefore a place in constant transformation, a mirror of the power of Etna’s nature and a unique setting for those who wish to experience up close the deep bond between water, earth, and fire.

17) Simeto Oasis

The Simeto Nature Reserve stretches across the mouth of Sicily’s longest river and is one of the most important green lungs of the province of Catania. Created with the aim of encouraging the stopover and nesting of wildlife and restoring the typical vegetation of Mediterranean and dune environments, the area preserves a mosaic of landscapes that combines wetlands, marshes, river stretches, and sandy dunes. Here one finds places of great charm such as Le Salatelle, Lake Gornalunga, and the evocative “old bend” of the Simeto—remnants of a territory that was once a vast marshland, reclaimed after World War II due to malaria. The variety of habitats fosters a rich and distinctive flora, with rare species such as sea spurge, wallflower, and cottongrass, while around the lake and marshes reedbeds and glasswort dominate. The Oasis is also a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts: along its trails one can spot elegant black-winged stilts, Kentish plovers, river warblers, and the rare ferruginous duck. Adding to the richness are hedgehogs, wild rabbits, rodents, and reptiles such as the European pond turtle, all of which find safe refuge in this area. The Simeto Reserve, with its unspoiled landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, is a place where nature, water, and silence blend together, offering visitors an authentic experience of contact with Sicily’s wildest scenery.

18) Santa Tecla

Santa Tecla, overlooking the Ionian Sea a few kilometers from Acireale, is a village that combines wild nature, ancient legends, and popular traditions. It stands on a striking lava platform, dominated behind by the Timpa Falconiera, an imposing ridge that is now a protected nature reserve, and its coastline stretches into a wide gulf that has been known since ancient times as Sinus S. Theclae. The Arabs and, before them, the Byzantines and local populations had already recognized its strategic and commercial value, so much so that the chronicles mention markets and ports for the shipment of timber and lava stone. The history of the village is also marked by dramatic episodes: in the 16th century, Santa Tecla was repeatedly the scene of pirate raids, so much so that a guard post was built on the Apa rock, which can still be seen today. Over time, the small village has been transformed into a residential and seaside resort, becoming part of the so-called “Riviera dei Limoni” (Lemon Riviera), famous for the beauty of its coastline and its rich citrus production. Among the monuments, the Mother Church stands out, housing a painting of Saint Tecla by the painter Giacinto Platania, and the modern and evocative Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, built in lava stone and open to the sky, much loved by the faithful and chosen as a place for special celebrations. Also not to be missed are the wild Grotta del Corvo, set in the Timpa, and the small natural coves of the cliff, such as the characteristic “Rinella.” The village is strongly linked to its traditions: every year in August, solemn celebrations are held in honor of Saint Tecla, with processions of illuminated boats on the sea, shows, and fireworks that create a unique atmosphere. Today, Santa Tecla is an ideal place for those seeking the charm of an unspoiled natural landscape, the tranquility of a seaside village, and the authentic warmth of Sicilian culture.

19) San Giovanni Li Cuti

San Giovanni Li Cuti is one of the most characteristic seaside districts of Catania—now absorbed into the city but still able to preserve the authentic charm of a small fishing village. Its name combines a reference to a church once dedicated to Saint John the Baptist—likely no longer standing—with the Sicilian term li cuti, meaning the smooth lava rocks shaped by the sea. Overlooking the Gulf of Catania, the village extends along a striking stretch of coastline made up of black sand and basalt cliffs formed by Etna’s ancient lava flows, which over the centuries reshaped the landscape. The small beach, nestled between the fishermen’s harbor and several bathing establishments, is today one of the most beloved seaside spots for locals, especially during the summer months, when it comes alive with swimmers and visitors. The area has been equipped as a public beach, with walkways and facilities, while retaining its simple, popular character. San Giovanni Li Cuti is also an evening meeting place: the seafront venues animate summer nights, offering a picturesque setting with the lava cliffs lit up and Mount Etna silhouetted in the background. Despite some challenges linked to upkeep and maintenance, the village retains a unique atmosphere, suspended between seafaring tradition and tourist vocation. Beyond the sea and landscape, the area is also tied to local places of worship, such as the nearby Church of San Giuseppe in Ognina, which testifies to the deep religiosity of the community. San Giovanni Li Cuti thus remains one of the most picturesque corners of Catania, where history, nature, and daily life meet in a balance that continues to fascinate visitors.

20) Grotta del Gelo

The Grotta del Gelo, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, is a unique and evocative place: inside, it contains perennial ice, so much so that it is considered the southernmost glacier in Europe and the entire northern hemisphere. Located at an altitude of 2,030 meters in the Randazzo area, it is now a destination for hikers, tourists, and scholars, while in the past it was used by shepherds to water their flocks. The cave was formed after the massive eruption of 1614, which lasted over ten years: the cooling of the lava flow created a natural tunnel, capable of maintaining extremely low temperatures inside that never exceed -6 °C, even in the height of summer. It takes about five hours to reach it on foot along the lava trails of Etna, but the spectacle it offers is well worth the effort: a silent environment, shrouded in darkness and ice, which seems suspended in time. In recent decades, the Grotta del Gelo has seen a reduction in the volume of ice, a phenomenon closely monitored by experts at the volcanological center in Catania, who constantly monitor its conditions. This extraordinary natural site is not only a geological wonder, but also a precious testimony to the eruptive history of Etna and the delicate environmental balance that characterizes it.

21) Archaeological site of Santa Venera al Pozzo

A few kilometers from the sea, on a green hill immersed in the Etna landscape, lies the archaeological complex of Santa Venera al Pozzo, an area of about nine hectares that preserves evidence of over two millennia of history. The presence of thermal springs, considered sacred and beneficial since ancient times, has favored the establishment of settlements here since the late Eneolithic period. In the 5th century BC, the area was home to a center of worship dedicated to Demeter and Kore, goddesses of fertility, as evidenced by the statuettes found and the so-called Casa del Pithos, a sacred building where water from a stream was collected in large terracotta containers. In Roman times, the site became known as Acium, mentioned in imperial itineraries as a mansio along the Messina-Catania road. Here stood an imposing thermal complex, famous among travelers for the healing properties of its waters. Remains of rooms and pools bear witness to different construction phases, from the 1st to the 4th century AD. Next to the baths, a small temple dedicated to the springs and a rustic villa were built, which, from the 3rd century, was transformed into a vast production facility with kilns and workshops for the manufacture of bricks and ceramics. In medieval times, the church of Santa Venera, linked to the cult of the healing saint, was built next to the ancient baths. The fame of the place was such that Alfonso the Magnanimous, in 1422, established a large fair there that attracted visitors from all over Sicily. The exploitation of the thermal waters continued until the 19th century, when they were channeled to the modern facility of the Terme di Acireale. Today, the tour includes the antiquarium set up in the former Pennisi house of the Barons of Floristella, where archaeological finds and evidence recount the long history of Santa Venera al Pozzo, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

22) Trecastagni

Trecastagni, one of the most picturesque towns on the slopes of Mount Etna, lies in a hilly area rich in volcanic cones, including Mount Ilice and Mount Gorna. Its location, between the municipalities of Etna and the Etna Park, makes it a privileged panoramic spot: from here, the view encompasses the Strait of Messina and the Gulf of Augusta, offering sweeping vistas that combine sea and volcano. The origins of the name remain uncertain: according to tradition, it could derive from the “three chestnut trees” that once stood in the area, from the “three chaste lambs” in memory of Saints Alfio, Cirino, and Filadelfo—patrons of the town—or even from ancient military camps. The history of the village is marked by domination and feudalism, until it became a principality in the 17th century under the Di Giovanni family, and later passed to the Alliata family. Trecastagni has a rich heritage of churches and monuments: the Mother Church of San Nicola, the religious heart of the village, with its imposing staircase; the Sanctuary of the Holy Martyrs Alfio, Cirino, and Filadelfo, a pilgrimage destination; the Church of Bianco with its 18th-century bell tower; and the Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova, with its valuable wooden altars. Among the civil buildings, the Palazzo dei Principi di Giovanni and the characteristic windmill, once a fortification and then a signal for popular celebrations, stand out. Religious and popular traditions deeply mark the identity of the village. Every year in May, thousands of pilgrims participate in the spectacular festival in honor of the three martyr saints, featuring processions, fireworks, and tributes from devotees dressed in white and red. No less heartfelt are the celebrations in honor of St. Nicholas of Bari, the town's first patron saint, which enliven the streets of Trecastagni in December. These celebrations are complemented by cultural and gastronomic events such as the Chestnut Festival and the Trecastagni International Music Festival, confirming the village's role as a center of community life. The surrounding area, rich in woods, vineyards, and lava flows, offers numerous nature trails: Mount Ilice, also known for having inspired Verga in Storia di una capinera (Story of a Blackcap), and Mount Gorna, covered with chestnut groves, are ideal destinations for hiking among nature and breathtaking views. Today, Trecastagni retains the charm of an Etnean village where history, faith, and nature intertwine, offering visitors an experience that combines culture, spirituality, and landscape.