Via Etnea
The Via Etnea is one of the main streets of Catania in Sicily. It begins at the Piazza del Duomo and runs in a south-north direction through the whole city towards Etna . The road is about 3 km long.
The street has existed in its current form since the 18th century; it used to be called Via Uzeda. Today on Via Etnea there are mainly houses from the late 19th century, but also buildings from the Baroque style of the 17th century. These emerged after the earthquake in 1693, when Catania was almost completely destroyed. There are many shops and boutiques on the street, it is one of the destinations of tourists in Catania.
There are many interesting buildings on Via Etnea. A monument to Vincenzo Bellini was erected in Piazza Stesicoro from 1880 to 1882 . It was created by Giulio Monteverde . In the same place there is excavation of a Roman amphitheater . This theater was built in the 2nd century and can be visited today. The church of San Biagio is located in the same place and is dedicated to St. Agatha. Next to the square and Via Etnea is the Palazzo del Toscano. This palace was built in 1870 by the architect Enrico Alvino, it served as the city residence for the noble family of Paternò marchesi del Toscano . Opposite the Palazzo del Toscano is the Palazzo Tezzano.
To the north of Piazza Stesicoro, at the intersection of Via Etnea and Via Di Sangiuliano, are the Quattro Canti . They were planned by the Duke of Camastra and built that way after the 1693 earthquake. To the south of the Piazza Stesicoro is the Collegiata church , where a collegiate monastery was established by Pope Eugene IV in 1446 .
Via Etnea ends at the Piazza del Duomo with the elephant fountain, the symbol of Catania. Catania Cathedral is also located in this square .
