Catania Market & Neighborhood Experience

Your great culinary adventure will begin by exploring the exquisite Baroque architecture of Piazza Duomo. You’ll then head on over to Sicily’s largest and most versatile markets, located in the heart of the city. Relatively untouched by tourism, the farmer’s market, Pescheria, fish market, and specialty shops offer a wonderful insight into Sicilian culture and cuisine. You’ll meet with friendly and trusted vendors, and experience first-hand the local food scene as you pass by the products of fishmongers, butchers, farm-to-market produce sellers, cured meat and cheese vendors, bakers, and other artisans. Of course, you’ll also sample fresh seasonal produce, roasted olives, cheese, and street food like arancini, pizzette, cipolline and stigghiola.

After a short stroll, you’ll find yourself at the Benedictine nunnery, which will reveal some of the secrets behind local pastry making, and taste cassata, granita, mustata, rame di Napoli, zuzzu, and other characteristic sweets.

Between nibbling on desserts, imbibing on the popular tangerine and lemon fruit syrup and tonic water drink at a street-side kiosk, and snapping photos at the Greek amphitheater, you’ll understand the meaning of eating seasonally and how Sicilian cuisine is crucially connected to market-fresh produce and deep-seated local traditions.

You can choose to end your experience by relaxing in the lush Bellini Gardens with a portable snack or being seated at a restaurant in the vibrant Via Etnea neighborhood for a light lunch.