Catania: The Gem of Sicily's East Coast

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeAddio
  [ad-dyoh]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pair fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [graht-zee-eh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dees-pyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [non kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pair fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [non mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pair fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiamate la Polizia!
  [kyah-mah-teh lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiamate un dottore!
  [kyah-mah-teh oon doht-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preht-soh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tsa]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oht-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dove si trova...?
  [doh-veh see troh-vah]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-ree-tsoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh (pair)]

Catania, founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian Greeks, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The city's strategic location on the eastern coast of Sicily made it a prime target for various civilizations. Notably, the Greeks established the first settlements, bringing with them Hellenic culture, architecture, and trade practices that would shape the city's early development.

In 263 BC, Catania fell under Roman control during the First Punic War. The city flourished as a Roman colony, becoming an important hub for trade and commerce. Significant Roman structures, such as the Roman Amphitheatre and the Odeon, were constructed, testifying to the city's prosperity and the influence of Roman engineering and culture.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Catania came under Byzantine rule, which lasted until the Arab conquest in the 9th century. The Arabs introduced new agricultural practices, irrigation techniques, and architectural styles. Their influence is still evident in the city's layout and some architectural elements.

In 1071, Catania was conquered by the Normans under Roger I of Sicily. The city became an integral part of the Kingdom of Sicily, and significant architectural developments took place, including the construction of the Ursino Castle by Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. This period marked a time of relative stability and growth.

One of the most catastrophic events in Catania's history was the earthquake of January 11, 1693. The quake, one of the most powerful ever recorded in Italy, nearly destroyed the entire city. The subsequent reconstruction saw the city rebuilt in the Baroque architectural style, which gives modern-day Catania much of its distinctive charm.

Following the 1693 earthquake, Catania underwent a major transformation. Under the guidance of architects such as Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, the city was rebuilt with wide streets and magnificent Baroque buildings. Landmarks like the Catania Cathedral and the Palazzo degli Elefanti emerged during this period, showcasing the artistic and architectural renaissance of the city.

Mount Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano, has played a crucial role in the history and culture of Catania. Eruptions throughout the centuries have shaped the landscape and influenced the lives of its inhabitants. The fertile volcanic soil has made the surrounding area ideal for agriculture, particularly for vineyards and orchards, contributing to the region's economic prosperity.

Catania, like much of Sicily, was significantly impacted during World War II. The city was heavily bombed due to its strategic importance, leading to considerable destruction and loss of life. Post-war reconstruction efforts focused on rebuilding and modernizing the city. Today, Catania is a vibrant metropolis, blending historical heritage with contemporary culture and industry.

Catania is served by the Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), located about 7 kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport is well-connected to major European cities with direct flights. From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach the city center. Public buses (AMT Alibus) run frequently and take approximately 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Taxis are readily available and offer a quicker but more expensive option.

Catania has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, metro, and trains. The AMT buses cover the city extensively, and the Metropolitana di Catania (metro) is a convenient option for quick travel within the city. For regional travel, Catania Centrale is the main railway station connecting to other parts of Sicily and mainland Italy. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Renting a car is an option, but be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking spaces in the city center.

The official currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit local markets or smaller establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are plentiful throughout Catania, so withdrawing cash should not be an issue.

Catania is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it has areas where caution is advised. Avoid walking alone late at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas around Piazza Teatro Massimo and some parts of the Old Town have higher instances of petty crimes like pickpocketing. Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the general emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance. The main hospital in Catania is Policlinico Universitario, which has emergency services. Pharmacies are widely available and often have a sign with a green cross. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but modestly. Avoid beachwear in the city center. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing conservatively and maintaining silence. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding buses and metro. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and be sure to compliment the chef. Don't rush meals; dining is an experience to be savored.

To experience Catania like a local, visit the bustling La Pescheria fish market near Piazza del Duomo in the mornings. Enjoy a leisurely passeggiata (evening stroll) along Via Etnea, the main shopping street. Try local specialties like arancini (fried rice balls) and granita with brioche for breakfast. Engage with locals in Italian, even if it's just a few words; they appreciate the effort and are usually very welcoming.