Roman Amphitheatre of Catania

Tickets and tours: which to book

There is nothing to buy online for this monument alone, and no tour sold for it specifically. The amphitheatre is part of the Greek and Roman archaeological park of Catania, run by the Sicilian region, and two levels of visit exist. The first needs no ticket at all: the excavated sector lies in a pit in the middle of Piazza Stesicoro, and you look down on it from the railings around the edge.

The second is a walk into the vaulted corridors behind the gate on the square, which open on a schedule that has changed many times over the years because of repairs, flooding and safety work. When they are open, entry is either free or a small charge paid on the spot, and staff or volunteers sometimes show people round. Ask at the Roman Theatre on Via Vittorio Emanuele, which belongs to the same park, or check the regional park listings shortly before you go.

Most people see the amphitheatre as one stop on a guided walk of the historic centre or a food tour along Via Etnea, which pass the square anyway. A general walking tour of Catania with a local guide is the sensible way to get the background, then come back on your own if the galleries are open.

A short history

The amphitheatre was probably built in the 2nd century AD, under Hadrian or Antoninus Pius, on the northern edge of Roman Catina next to its cemetery, and was greatly enlarged in the 3rd century. Its arena measured about 70 by 50 metres, among the biggest in the empire. By the 5th century it was disused, and Theodoric allowed the townspeople to take its stone. Builders later robbed it for the cathedral; after the earthquake of 1693 it was buried and used as a parade ground. Digs began in the late 18th century; the present view dates from work on Piazza Stesicoro in the early 1900s, and during the bombing of 1943 the galleries served as a shelter.

Getting there

Catania Fontanarossa airport is about 5 km south of the centre; the Alibus shuttle runs to the city centre in roughly half an hour, and taxis take about 20 minutes. From the central railway station, the metro runs to Stesicoro in a few minutes, and the exit comes up on the square beside the ruins. On foot, the amphitheatre is about 15 minutes north of the cathedral along Via Etnea, the main shopping street, which climbs gently all the way. Driving into the centre is slow and parking is scarce; use a car park outside the old town or near the station and continue by metro. City buses along Via Etnea stop next to the square.

Rules and what to bring

Do not climb over the railings or drop litter into the pit, which has suffered from neglect in the past. In the galleries, follow the staff and stay on the lit route, since parts of the structure are unstable and side passages are closed for safety. Wear shoes with grip, as floors can be wet. Piazza Stesicoro is busy with traffic and a street market nearby, so keep bags closed. Cafes and toilets are found in the surrounding streets.

When to go

Because the view from the square is free and always available, the amphitheatre fits into any walk through Catania. Morning light falls well on the arches, and the market streets around Piazza Stesicoro are at their liveliest before lunch. In the evening the ruins are lit, and Via Etnea fills with people taking the passeggiata.

Summer in Catania is hot, often above 35 degrees in July and August, so plan the galleries for the middle of the day, when their cool air is welcome. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable months for walking the centre. In early February the city celebrates the feast of Saint Agatha, when processions pass close by and the whole area is crowded and partly closed to traffic. Allow fifteen minutes for the railings, and up to an hour if the corridors are open.