Urban Trekking

A local association, Etna ‘nginiousa, promoting the arts in Catania, conducted a tour of the city recently, an urban trekking.  I participated and on that rainy morning explored some hidden treasures of the architecture in Catania. After the earthquake of 1693 many cities and towns in Sicily were rebuilt in the baroque style.

The tour started at Convitto Cutelli, a prestigious school, housed in one of the baroque buildings in Catania.  The Aula Magna, shown below, was the setting for important historical events in the history of Sicily.  One of such events, was the prosecution of some Siclian heroes who were fighting for Sicily’s freedom from the Borbons  during the 1848 revolution.

Aula Magna Palazzo Cutelli

Palazzo Cutelli Staircase leading to Courtyard

Palazzo Cutelli Circular Courtyard

Courtyard Pavement made of Lava Rock Pebbles and White Marble from Siracusa –  The pattern resembles lace and is absolutely enchanting!

While walking through the back roads, one square we crossed I had never seen.  It was bombed during WWII and in the clearing created by the bombing a square was made.  However, the locals added the street lamps in the shape of helmets as to remember the events which lead to the creation of the square. While our group stopped to observe the square, a group of children were happily playing soccer right there amidst the parked cars.

While our group stopped to observe the square, a group of children were happily playing soccer right there amidst the parked cars.

Along the way, a fig tree growing out of a balcony!!!

Palazzo Biscari

Baroque – Cattedrale di Catania – Facade dy Vaccarini