If you find yourself in Catania, especially by cruise, this piazza is very likely one of the first places that you may see. From the cruise port, you can either walk here in about 20 minutes or take the round trip shuttle to a nearby bus stop. It is a beautiful and quaint piazza. In the middle of the piazza is a statue of the elephant for which the piazza is known by. Here you will also be able to get a great view and pictures of the Cathedral of Saint Agatha. Most of the shopping, sites and dining are readily accessible from here. From here there is also a great view of Mt. Etna on one roadway and a great view of Porto Girabaldi. read more

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With a charming sculpture of a cute little elephant (Fontana dell'Elefante) made of volcanic rock in 1736 by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, what's not to love about this lovely baroque piazza? It's hard to miss since a giant obelisk comes rising out of his back with a globe on top. A symbol you will find in tiny scultptures in all the gift shops! Bustling at all hours of day this is the heart of the city. If you sit on edge of the fountain you can enjoy the surrounding architecture like the Palazzo del Municipio (Town Hall), the former Chierici Seminary, the Cathedral and Porta Uzeda the city gate built in 1696 according to my Sicilian guide book. Plenty of gelaterias and Italian "bars" to rest your feet, which means they serve coffee, drinks, gelato, pastries, etc. Not a U.S. "bar". A great photo op and a start to a wonderful walk in a fasninating ancient city. Bring your camera and comfy shoes. read more

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On your first visit to the city of Catania (and many other towns and villages in Italy), the first place that you will usually go is the city's Piazza Duomo or as the phrase is known in English, the Cathedral Square. This is a bit deceiving for Catania, at least, because to locals it is known as "Elephant Square" due to the statue of an elephant that it contains. Upon walking into the square, there are two things that you will automatically notice. First is the gorgeous elephant statue, which has been a symbol of Catania for as long as the city has been established (since about 8th century BC), and the next is the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, the patron Saint of Catania. The cathedral is a sight to behold. There is so much to take in, so sit back and do so for a few minutes. Then take a look up the street of Via Etnea for an awesome view of Mount Etna. As the previous reviewer said, there are plenty of "bars" and they do serve coffee, drinks, gelato, and pastries. They also do serve alcohol as well. It's not unusual to see Italians enjoying a glass of wine on their lunch break or even in the morning. It's usually up high on a back shelf. My favorite thing to get upon entering a bar in Catania is getting some freshly squeezed blood orange juice. That's right, blood orange juice. Sicilian blood oranges are one of a kind and have no comparison to blood oranges from California. Enjoy them while you can because they are delectable. Elephant Square is the perfect place to start your exploration of this beautiful, bustling city. Make sure you bring a camera and don't get nervous from all the stares. Customs in Italy are much different than America, and it is not rude to stare. Also, be prepared for crowds at the "bars" or at eateries as people will just swarm the counter rather than forming a line. read more

Piazza Duomo - Public Plazas Near Me - Catania, Connecticut

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Been here about 4 times over a 2 year span and I am still amazed at the architect!! You have to come to Elephant Square if you are ever in Catania. It reminds me of playing Assassins Creed if you ever played games on the xbox. The only downfall for this area are the bums that sometimes are sitting around the area and also the trash. The Cathedral is one of the biggest I have seen along with the ones in Sevilia Spain and of course the Vatican City. I was lucky enough to witness a mass there the week before Christmas and even though i did not understand a word since it was being said in Latin , it was an awesome and great experience!! you can walk around any path there right after to begin your exploration of Catania since I believe this is the center of the tourist area. Grazie Sicilia!! you have been great! read more

Piazza Duomo - Lovely - Public Plazas Near Me - Catania, Connecticut

We were with a group visiting the Duomo. This Piazza is a wonderful place to enjoy some time in Italy. It's fun to sit and watch the people go by. Plan to spend some time just taking in all the sights and sounds. read more

This square in Catania seems to be the living centre of the city. There are few really nice cafes located at the square which give you a great chance to admire the beautiful Duomo/ cathedral while having your granita with brioche. Not to be missed when in Catania. read more