In short
- Piazza Stesicoro holds the entrance to the Roman Amphitheatre.
- Piazza del Duomo hides the entrance to the Terme Achilliane.
- Walking via Via Etnea takes 10 to 15 minutes between these main hubs.
In this article
- Where is the Roman Amphitheatre entrance?
- How do you access the Terme Achilliane?
- How long is the walk between Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza del Duomo?
- Where can I see the Amenano underground river?
- How do you reach the underground entrances by public transport?
- Can you drive to the Catania Sotterranea entrances?
Finding the access points for Catania Sotterranea requires navigating the modern city above. The subterranean sites are spread out, meaning you will walk above ground to reach each separate ruin, bathhouse, or cave.
Where is the Roman Amphitheatre entrance?
The entrance to the Roman Amphitheatre sits in Piazza Stesicoro.
Only about 10% of the massive arena is visible today. You can look down into the ruins from the piazza for free. To explore the dark lava-stone arches inside, you pay a €4 entry fee at the gate.
How do you access the Terme Achilliane?
You enter these 3rd-century Roman baths from the Diocesan Museum in Piazza del Duomo.
The entrance is through the Diocesan Museum beside the cathedral. Before you enter, you must purchase your €5 ticket at the nearby Diocesan Museum. Steps lead you straight down into the rectangular hall with vaulted ceilings.
How long is the walk between Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza del Duomo?
It takes 10 to 15 minutes to walk between these two main squares.
Walking is the best way to travel between the sites. The squares are directly connected by Via Etnea, a pedestrian-friendly street. You will spend time above ground moving between the subterranean locations.
Where can I see the Amenano underground river?
The Amenano River flows through a natural lava cave beneath A Putia dell'Ostello.
This site acts as the basement for a popular local restaurant. To see the river, which was buried by lava in 1669, you walk down the stairs inside the building. Many visitors go in the evening to sit near the cave steps.
How do you reach the underground entrances by public transport?
Local AMT buses and the Alibus stop near both Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza Borsellino.
Bus tickets cost €1.00 and must be purchased at kiosks or on the AMT app before boarding. If you arrive by train, Catania Centrale railway station is 1.2 km away. You can walk straight up Via delle Finanze or take a quick bus.
Can you drive to the Catania Sotterranea entrances?
You cannot drive directly to the entrances due to the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL).
Driving in central Catania is highly restricted and chaotic. You should park in a designated lot outside the ZTL. Piazza Borsellino offers parking for €1 to €2 per hour and sits a short walk from the Piazza del Duomo entrances.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a map to find the underground entrances?
Most entrances are clearly marked in the main squares. Piazza Stesicoro and Piazza del Duomo hold the most popular sites. A map helps if you plan to visit smaller sites like Terme della Rotonda in the upper historic center.
Where do guided underground tours meet?
Most guided tours, which cost between €28 and €40, meet at a designated point in the city center. Guides often gather groups at Piazza Stesicoro before walking them through 3 to 4 different sites.
Is there a single ticket for all entrances?
You can buy an integrated archaeological ticket for €10 that covers the Roman Theatre and two thermal baths. Otherwise, independent entry to individual sites costs between €2 and €5 each.
