Page 314 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

laidback outdoor terrace or drink in the unique cellar wine bar (housed in a natural

lava-cave with one of Catania’s underground streams running through it). They make
nice bruschetta too to soak up the booze. Daily noon–late.

La Cartiera Via Casa del Mutilato 8 347 637 2592, brassjazzclub.it. Long-
established jazz club just off Piazza Bellini, with good food (pasta for around €9) as
well as live music. Check out the website for concerts. Mon & Wed–Sun 8.30pm–late.

La Collegiata Via Collegiata 3 095 321 230. A laidback, studenty place with a
pleasant terrace for an evening drink or daytime snack. Daily 11.30am–4.30pm &
5.30/6pm–late.

Nievski Via Alessi 15–17 095 313792. They love Che in this “pub-trattoria
alternativo”, where you can come for a plate of organic food, a Fair Trade coffee or a
beer. There’s internet access, all kinds of concerts and events, and more goatees than

you can shake a stick at. It’s on the Alessi steps up to Via Crociferi. Tues–Sat noon–
late, and Sun eve.

Savia Via Etnea 302 095 322 335. Opposite the main entrance to the Villa Bellini,
this is the city’s most notable pasticceria, open since 1897 and always busy with folk
digging into savoury arancini, ricotta-stuffed cannoli, real cassata and the like. Tues–
Sun 7am–8pm.

ENTERTAINMENT

While the Bellini theatre is the traditional centre of opera, music and ballet, Catania’s
new focus for culture and the arts is the Zo centre. Summer is the best time for
concerts and events, from open-air jazz in the Villa Bellini gardens to classical

concerts in churches and theatres across the city. To find out what’s on, check the
listings information in several local publications.

CULTURE AND THE ARTS

Teatro Massimo Bellini Via Perrotta 12 095 730 6111 or 095 715 0921,
teatromassimobellini.it. Facing Piazza Bellini, Catania’s impressive opera house has
a concert season that runs from Oct until May, which includes classical music and

ballet as well as opera.

Zo Viale Africa 095 533 871, zoculture.it. Catania’s centre for contemporary arts
is the place for cutting-edge theatre, electronic and world music, experimental art
shows, off-the-wall installations and offbeat festivals. It’s a 2min walk from Stazione
Centrale.

SHOPPING IN CATANIA