Castello Ursino
A 13th-century square castle built by Frederick II. Originally on the coast, it was enclosed by an 1669 lava flow that left it inland; it now houses the municipal museum.
Castello Ursino was built between 1239 and 1250 by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, with a round tower at each of its four corners, and it originally stood on a seaside cliff. In 1669, Mount Etna erupted, and lava flows surrounded the castle and advanced toward the sea, leaving it several hundred meters from the shore; solidified lava can still be seen outside its walls. The castle now houses the Civic Museum of Catania, which displays ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, pottery, and paintings from the medieval period to modern times. Admission is about €6. It is a 10-minute walk from the cathedral square, and the old streets nearby have many small horse-meat grill shops.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- La Pescheria, Catania
- Museo Civico Belliniano
- Roman Theatre of Catania
- Piazza del Duomo & Elephant Fountain, Catania
- Terme Achilliane
- Badia di Sant'Agata
- Via dei Crociferi
- Palazzo Biscari