Porta Uzeda

Porta Uzeda is a Baroque city gate in Piazza del Duomo, Catania, completed in 1696 as the city rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. Walk beneath its arches towards the port and the nearby fish market, or cross towards Villa Pacini and the old sea wall. The gate is well preserved, and its terrace looks over the square and port; access to the terrace requires a ticket to the Diocesan Museum. The cathedral and the Elephant Fountain are close by, so you can see several landmarks on one short stop.

A gate rebuilt after the earthquake

Porta Uzeda was completed in 1696, during Catania’s rebuilding after the earthquake of 1693. Its name honours Juan Francisco Pacheco Téllez-Girón, Duke of Uzeda, who served as viceroy of Sicily from 1687 to 1696. The gate was opened in the walls associated with Charles V and became an entrance to the city from the sea.

The arch connects Piazza del Duomo with the streets leading towards the port. It also forms part of the square’s Baroque setting, alongside the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, Palazzo degli Elefanti and the Elephant Fountain, whose lava-stone elephant carries an Egyptian obelisk.

Through the arch to the market

Walk through Porta Uzeda towards the port and you reach Catania’s fish market nearby. Going under the arch before lunch brings you to the market during its active part of the day. The gate also leads towards Villa Pacini, a small park with Mediterranean plants and paths decorated with stone mosaics.

The terrace provides views across Piazza del Duomo on one side and the port area on the other. Reaching it requires a ticket to the Diocesan Museum. The gate itself is a pedestrian passage, and the surrounding square makes it easy to combine the stop with a visit to the cathedral and fountain.