Via Etnea is the main street of Catania that passes through the city from north to south, connecting the Piazza Duomo to the Tondo Gioeni. It was built after the huge earthquake in 1693 and it takes its name from the fact that it connects the sea to the Etna volcano. Here there are two historic buildings, Palazzo San Giuliano and Palazzo dell’Università, beautiful expression of the Sicilian Baroque of the 18th century.
The Piazza dell’Università houses also four bronze candelabras sculpted by Lazzaro, representing three ancient legends of Catania, Colapesce, Gammazita and Fratelli Pii, and the history of Uzeda.
Via Etna is dotted with very important monuments as the Basilica Collegiata, the Minoriti Church, the monument dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini and the ruins of the Roman amphitheater.
Along the street there is also Villa Bellini, one of the main city parks, and the botanical garden of the city.
