Giardino Bellini - Villa Bellini

Giardino Bellini, also called Villa Bellini, is a historic public park on Via Etnea in Catania. Its paths wind through landscaped gardens, fountains and sculptures, with benches and shaded places to pause between city sights. Look for the old Ficus tree, busts of notable Sicilians and the Chinese pagoda; from the upper steps, Mount Etna comes into view. The park also has playgrounds for children and sometimes hosts classical music performances and outdoor events. Bring your own refreshments, since there are no food or drink vendors inside.

An urban garden with 18th-century roots

The oldest part of the garden dates to the 18th century and was once part of the property of Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello di Biscari. The present-day garden opened in January 1883 and covers 72,000 square metres. It closed to the public in 2006 for construction work and reopened in September 2010.

Locals often call it simply “'a Villa.” Giardino Bellini is one of Catania’s oldest gardens and one of its main public parks. Its paths, fountains and tree-lined avenues give the city a substantial green space to walk through.

Garden details and views

The park’s sculptures include busts of Catanese musicians, writers and politicians. Among the trees, look for the roughly 150-year-old Ficus. A Chinese pagoda stands near the upper part of the garden, where the steps provide a view towards Mount Etna.

Benches and shaded corners make it possible to pause with a book or take a break from walking around central Catania. Families can also use the playgrounds. The park sometimes hosts outdoor theatre events, including opera sound checks, as well as music near the fountain.