Discover the Timeless Charm of Ursino Castle
Explore Catania's historic Ursino Castle, a stunning medieval fortress and museum that showcases the city's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking architecture.
Ursino Castle, an iconic landmark in Catania, offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich history. This medieval fortress, dating back to the 13th century, now houses a museum showcasing art and artifacts that tell the story of Catania's vibrant past. Explore its sturdy towers and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
A brief summary to Ursino Castle
- P.za Federico di Svevia, 21, Catania, Metropolitan city of Catania, 95121, IT
- +39095345830
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more peaceful exploration.
- Check the museum's schedule for special exhibitions that may be on display during your visit.
- Take a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the castle.
- Don't forget your camera; the views from the castle are stunning, especially at sunset.
- Bring comfortable shoes for exploring the castle grounds and gardens.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From Taormina, head to the bus station located at Via Luigi Pirandello. Take the Interbus line towards Catania. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Once you arrive at Catania's central bus station, walk towards Via Etnea and take a left. Continue walking until you reach P.za Federico di Svevia; Ursino Castle will be on your right.
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Train
Walk to the Taormina-Giardini train station, located about 15 minutes from the center of Taormina. Board a train to Catania Centrale station. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Upon arriving at Catania Centrale, exit the station and head left onto Via Etnea. Continue straight until you reach P.za Federico di Svevia, where you will find Ursino Castle.
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Walking
If you are near the center of Taormina, you can opt for a scenic walk to Catania. Start from Taormina and descend towards the coast, following the signs to Catania. This route will take you through beautiful landscapes and quaint villages. The walk is quite long (approximately 35 km) and should only be attempted by those who are physically fit. Once you reach Catania, head towards P.za Federico di Svevia for Ursino Castle.
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Taxi
You can easily find a taxi in Taormina. Just head to any taxi stand or request one through your hotel. Inform the driver that you wish to go to P.za Federico di Svevia, 21, in Catania. The drive will take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. This option is convenient if you're traveling with luggage or prefer a direct route.
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