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1 Roman amphitheatre of Catania
2 Greco-Roman theatre and odeon of Catania
3 Baths of the Rotonda in Catania
4 Achilliane Baths in Catania
5 Baths of the Indirizzo in Catania
6 Other ancient remains in Catania
7 Map with the ancient sites of Catania
8 Information

The ancient remains of Catania bear witness to the importance of the city during the Greek and Roman periods, when the ancient Càtina (or Càtana) occupied a strategic position on the eastern coast of Sicily. Founded by Greek colonists from Naxos in the 8th century BC, it came under Roman rule in 263 BC, then experiencing an urban development marked by the construction of theatres, baths and monumental infrastructure.
The successive earthquakes and eruptions of Etna profoundly reshaped the ancient fabric, burying a large part of the structures beneath the current Baroque city. Today, the excavations and restorations carried out since the 19th century allow several major complexes to be rediscovered: amphitheatre, theatre, odeon and thermal complexes. These remains, partially visible or integrated into modern buildings, offer a precise overview of ancient Catania and its evolution through the ages.

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Roman amphitheatre of Catania

Located on one side of Piazza Stesicoro, the Amphitheatre of Catania (Anfiteatro) is one of the major witnesses of the Roman period in Catania. It was the largest elliptical arena in Italy after that of the Colosseum in Rome and that of Verona.
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Hadrian or Antoninus Pius, its capacity is estimated at 15,000 spectators, measuring about 70 m by 50 m.
It was abandoned from the 5th century, then serving as a stone quarry for building throughout the Middle Ages in particular.
Only a small section is visible today; the major part of the amphitheatre is buried beneath modern constructions.
The remains can be seen from the square and access with a ticket to the underground part is possible.

  • Roman amphitheatre of Catania
    Roman amphitheatre of Catania

Greco-Roman theatre and odeon of Catania

The Greco-Roman theatre (Teatro greco-romano) located in via Vittorio Emanuele would date back to the 5th century BC, but the dating is not certain. The current remains are from the Roman period, built on a hypothetical earlier Greek structure.
Its capacity was about 7000 spectators, leaning against the hill where the ancient Acropolis stood. Its tiers rest on high vaulted galleries, and the lower structures are nowadays bathed by the water of the Amenano river.
The archaeological complex also includes an adjacent odeon, of smaller dimensions, intended for musical performances or civic gatherings.
Both buildings are accessible from Via Vittorio Emanuele 266, open every day from 9am to 7pm (last access 6:30pm), full price about €6, free on the first Sunday of the month.

  • catania-teatro-greco-romano
    File source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catania_Greek-Roman_theater.JPG
  • Exterior of the Roman theatre of Catania
    Exterior of the Roman theatre of Catania

Baths of the Rotonda in Catania

The Baths of the Rotonda (Terme della Rotonda) consist of a vast complex located north of the ancient theatre. It was reworked several times throughout history. The original baths date from the end of the 1st or the beginning of the 2nd century AD. They were surmounted by a medieval church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Byzantine period (end of the 6th century), with a circular plan and covered by a dome. There are remains of frescoes, the oldest from the 6th century, and others from the 12th-14th centuries, as well as a more recent cycle from the 18th century, partially altered. Some Byzantine scenes are preserved on the internal walls of the dome. An imposing castellum aquae (reservoir/distribution structure of the Roman aqueduct) was brought to light during recent excavations around the baths during the 2004–2008 and 2015 excavation campaigns.
The site depends on the Parco Archeologico di Catania e della Valle dell’Aci. Access is free but only by reservation or as part of occasional organized guided tours.

  • Baths of the Rotonda, Catania
    Baths of the Rotonda
  • Baths of the Rotonda, Catania
    Baths of the Rotonda

Achilliane Baths in Catania

The Achilliane Baths (Terme Achilliane) are located beneath the cathedral and Piazza Duomo. Only a small part is uncovered, dated to the 4th-5th century AD, and the original extent of these baths is unknown.
Nevertheless, impressive structures are preserved, including a large rectangular hall of 12 by 13 metres with a vault supported by four pillars, and heating conduits. Originally the vaults were adorned with stuccos with figurative motifs (cherubs / putti, animals, vine shoots). These decorations are visible in gouaches and illustrations by 18th-century travelling artists, such as Jean Houel, who reproduced them, works notably preserved at the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg.
The baths are accessed from the diocesan museum. The ticket combined with the diocesan museum, guided tour possible on site.

Baths of the Indirizzo in Catania

The Baths of the Indirizzo (lit. Baths of the Address), Terme dell’Indirizzo in Italian, took their name from the former convent of Santa Maria dell’Indirizzo located above the site. They are partially incorporated into the former Carmelite convent of Santa Maria dell’Indipendenza.
Several rooms of the baths remain, having kept their original roofs, including the largest of octagonal shape (dated to the 3rd-4th century AD) with its rectangular openings, covered by a central dome.
Pieces of furnaces used to heat the rooms also remain, as well as air conduits and water pipes. The site can be visited by reservation, entry is free, under the management of the Parco Archeologico di Catania. The exterior of the structure can be seen from the street.

Other ancient remains in Catania

Among the other ancient structures of Catania are the ancient walls of the former acropolis located near the theatre, as well as stretches of aqueducts and pipes still visible in certain underground areas. Excavations have also brought to light remains of small sanctuaries and fragments of Latin inscriptions scattered throughout the historic centre.
Within the vast complex of the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena, excavations have revealed the presence of important ancient remains. Several Roman domus were discovered there, dated from the late Hellenistic period to the imperial era, comprising peristyles and interior living spaces. Segments of the main axes of the Roman road network — the Cardo and the Decumanus Maximus — are also still visible in certain courtyards and basements of the monastery.

  • Baths of the Indirizzo, Catania
    Baths of the Indirizzo
  • Roman road, Monastery of San Nicolo, Catania
    Roman road, monastery of San Nicolo

Map with the ancient sites of Catania

Map of Ancient sites of Catania Show interactive map

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