EESTEC Magazine Vol 33 2013/2 | Page 48

Observers Observer Catania Catania is an Italian city on the east coast of Sicily, facing the Mediterranean Sea and situated at the foot of the Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Etna is the European Continent’s most active volcano and one of the entire world’s biggest. An eruption at night offers the opportunity for a highly-suggestive scene, with the impressive river of lava that slowly travels the mountainside, and with its gushes of bright red that light up the sky – it is an experience like no other. Visiting Catania is quite easy. An ideal starting point would be the main square, Piazza Duomo. Here we ?nd the Cathedral, dedicated to St. Agata, the city’s patron saint, a very impressive and imposing Baroque structure that incorporates some Roman columns taken from the amphitheatre and hides some Roman baths underneath. The symbol of the city is “u Liotru” which stays in the centre of Piazza Duomo. It portrays an ancient lavic stone elephant and is topped by an Egyptian obelisk from Syene. There are many legends full of magic about the origin of this elephant and you'll discover them when you'll be in Catania! Among the innumerable beauties in Catania surroundings we cannot forget Taormina. Justly called “The Pearl of the Mediterranean Sea”, it boasts of lovely narrow streets, its natural and architectural beauties, its wonderful sea, elegant shops and cozy restaurants. A place to fall in love with. 48