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Catania and Etna. But, above all, Catania and the sea: an element with which the Sicilian city lives practically in symbiosis.
Just pop into one of the two most famous markets in the city to realize this.
A Piscaria, as the name itself suggests, is the fish market of Catania. A name that, however simple it may be, contains the soul and essence of this city.
A place always in turmoil, from the very early hours of the morning, when the catch is brought to the area and placed on the stalls.
Then, it’s just a coming and going of tourists and people from Catania until 10am, when we move almost jostling inside the Market.
There are those who offer fish at the best price, and those who offer the highest quality, fresh and freshly caught fish.
Continuous shouting. An open-air theatre. Scenes of popular life.
A lively, colorful and genuine place, where the Catania tradition comes to life in all its uniqueness!
A truly unmissable place during a holiday, albeit a short one, in Catania.
Photo ©, Jeann-Pierre Bazard
PRACTICAL INFO
THE PLACE AND HOW TO GET THERE
A Piscaria market is located in the center, in Piazza Alonzo di Benedetto, near the historic Palazzo dei Chierici and the Archi della Marina. A short distance away is Piazza del Duomo and the Cathedral of Sant’Agata.
The place, therefore, is perfectly reachable on foot, walking through the streets of the historic center.
For those wishing to use public transport, less than a 5 minute walk away is the 431N (Dusmet Duomo), 504M, 632 and 642 (San Martino Vittorio Emanuele) bus stop.
Piazza Borsellino, one of the main stations in Catania, is located just 200m away from the Market.
OPENING HOURS A PISCARIA
The Catania market is open all year round, from Monday to Saturday, from 07:00 to 14:00.
Always closed on Sundays and holidays.
The early hours of the morning are the least chaotic.
From 9.30am the continuous coming and going of tourists and people from Catania begins.
WHAT TO BUY
Fish is, obviously, the great protagonist. Seafood, swordfish and the beloved anchovies are never lacking on the stalls.
The fishermen replenish the pallets daily. Fresh fish with an excellent quality-price ratio.
But, since it is a market, there are also stalls selling dried fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese.
WHERE TO EAT
Most of the places in the area get their supplies from the market, which is why you will be spoiled for choice.
Scirocco Lab is now an institution. The restaurant is located at number 7 of Alonzo di Benedetto Square, in a former butcher’s shop converted after a long redevelopment project of the area.
The best traditional Sicilian products are fried on the spot and served in traditional straw paper parcels. At a cost of €7, you can taste the sea shell without thorns, with squid, prawns, cuttlefish and anchovies.