The Heartbeat of Catania: City Centre

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-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
  [nohn kah-pee-scoh]

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

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vaht-teh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-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-reh-ee 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-ppo kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-noh leh dee-eh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• 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
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è...?
  [doh-veh]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-zoh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-tahr-mee soo-lah mahp-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh ah-oo-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon beel-lyet-toh pehr]

Catania was founded in the 8th century BC by the Greeks, originally called Katane. Its location at the foot of Mount Etna made it a strategic port city, facilitating trade and interaction with various cultures, including the Romans, who later conquered it in 241 BC. The Roman period saw Catania flourish as a major urban center, with significant architectural developments including the construction of the Roman amphitheater and aqueducts.

By the 9th century, Catania had fallen under Arab rule, which lasted until the end of the 11th century. This period introduced new agricultural practices and architectural styles, with the Arabs enhancing the city with new irrigation systems and urban planning. The influence of this era is still evident in the layout of the city and the local cuisine, which features aromatic spices and ingredients that reflect the rich culinary traditions introduced during this time.

One of the most significant events in Catania's history was the devastating earthquake of January 11, 1693, which destroyed a large portion of the city. The reconstruction efforts that followed led to the creation of the Baroque architecture that characterizes much of the city center today. Notable buildings from this period include the stunning Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Palazzo degli Elefanti, which exemplify the grandeur of Sicilian Baroque style.

In the 18th century, Catania became part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under Bourbon rule. This period was marked by economic development and urban improvements. The construction of the Teatro Massimo Bellini, which opened in 1890, reflected the city's cultural ambitions and the importance of music and the arts in Catanian society.

Catania experienced significant destruction during World War II, particularly from Allied bombings aimed at disrupting Axis supply lines. Post-war reconstruction initiated a renewed interest in restoring the city’s historical sites while modernizing infrastructure. The balance between preserving historical integrity and accommodating contemporary needs continues to shape Catania's development.

Catania City Centre is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods in Catania. The main train station, Stazione Centrale, connects the city to other locations in Sicily and mainland Italy. Local buses operated by AMT (Azienda Metropolitana Trasporti) also run frequently to the City Centre from areas like Catania Airport, which is about 7 km away. The Alibus shuttle service connects the airport to the City Centre, taking approximately 20-30 minutes.

Catania City Centre is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses and trams are available, with tickets purchasable at kiosks and vending machines. Taxis are also a convenient option, though it's advised to use official taxi stands or call a taxi service. Bicycles can be rented from various shops, and the city has designated bike lanes for safer travel.

Catania is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be observed. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, especially around the outskirts of the City Centre. While violent crime is rare, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places like markets and public transport. Areas such as the outskirts of Piazza dei Martiri and some streets near the Central Station should be approached with caution.

In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospital, Ospedale Vittorio Emanuele, is located in the City Centre. It's advisable to carry a copy of your insurance details, as this can facilitate assistance. Pharmacies are widespread, and many staff speak English, providing over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress stylishly, as locals take pride in their appearance. Don't wear overly casual clothing in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do dress modestly when visiting churches; women should cover their shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Buongiorno' (Good day) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). Don't forget to maintain personal space. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like arancini and cannoli. Don't refuse food offered by locals; it's a sign of hospitality.

To experience Catania like a local, visit the bustling fish market, La Pescheria, for fresh seafood and vibrant atmosphere. Engage with local vendors; they often share recipes and cooking tips. Explore the city in the early morning to catch a glimpse of daily life and the preparation for the day ahead. Don't miss out on the traditional street food found at stalls throughout the city, especially during late evening hours.