Sicily 10: Catania [Sky Watch Friday]

From Syracuse we headed north to Catania, situated between the slopes of Mt. Etna and the Ionian Sea. [REMINDER: If you scroll back to the Sicily 1 post, you will see a map of our itinerary.] Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, its proximity to the volcano is evident from the the unique buildings made from black lava (see below).

Catania was founded in 729 BC by Greek colonists. Having survived earthquakes and eruptions over the centuries, Catania was razed to the ground in 1693. Rebuilt during the 18th century, the city is comprised of broad, straight streets and large unevenly shaped squares, a precaution against earthquakes. One of the highlights for us was the Mercato della Pescheria [fish market], which occupies many street and small squares. It is open mornings on a daily basis. One entrance into the market contains a fountain, Fontana dell’Amenano, which is fed by water from the underground Amenano River. Sculpted in 1867, the fountain is a focal point for meeting.

Entering the market from the fountain, I was stunned to see a huge cross section of a fish of some sort.  (Top image below) I still chuckle over the “conversation” I had with the fellow wielding the knife. I asked if it was a shark, first in English then in German. But, he didn’t understand either. Then, I hummed the theme from the movie Jaws, as the shark began its attacks. It was an ‘Aha moment’.  He burst out laughing, “No signor, tonno (tuna)”.

Also located near the fish market entrance is another fountain, Fontana dell’Elefante (this needs no translation). Sculpted in 1736, it consists of an elephant made of lava standing on a pedestal. On its back is an Egyptian obelisk with a globe on top (not visible in these images). The fountain has become Catania’s symbol.