Catania: a good place to live, work,study?

Question

I'm thinking of applying for a teaching job in Catania for 7 months. Everything about the job but I'm unsure if it's the city for me. I've lived in Italy before just never Sicily.

Can you tell me anything about the nightlife, sights to see, food, in fact anything that will give me a picture of the place.

thanks :)

Answer 1

Sicily? Catania? Avoid it like the plague!

Answer 2

Don't listen to them. They don't know what they're talking about. Catania is a beautiful city!! I live in the north of Italy, and I've been there. Wonderful place to live, people is just great! Food is really special, and University of Catania has been founded in 1434 and it's one of the biggest in Italy. Maybe you'll find quite harder to find a job, it's one of the problems of the south of Italy. Don't mind about mafia, yes, there is, but you don't have to worry about, no one is going to shot you. It is a land of big contrasts, wonderful things just apart bad things... But I think you'll love it. Don't miss a walk on the Etna volcano!

Answer 3

I LOVE SIcily, but am not crazy about Catania. I prefer Palermo.

That said: don't listen to all the scary stories about Sicily, mafia, guns.

Catania:

The food is amazing, it's a lively university town and a complete chaos (traffic, bureaucracy etc.). But then most major cities in Italy are like that (in the North, too!

Answer 4

If you're into guns you'll love it there!

Answer 5

I dont know why but every time you mention the south of italy to a northern italian they always have somethign bad to say about it. ive been to catania over 10 times and its not as bad as everyone says, in fact i have a ball every time. Although im sure there is Mafia as there is in most cities, they arent going to chase you down the street with a violin case! haha

Catania is beautiful. the beaches are fantastic and the weather isnt extreme like in some other parts of italy. Also their nightlife is fanastic and the views of mt etna are breathtaking.  They have done quite a bit recently in regards to cleaning up the streets and lot of monumental areas have undergone major renovations. You will find a lot of Americans around as there is an army base not too far from the main city. Like any city there are their bad and good areas, in this case anywhere close to the beach or city are probably the more "upper class" areas. A few bad points - there is never any piece or quiet as its very populated ( especially in the main part of town), their driving is mental and the power goes out a lot in summer due to so many people using their air cons. its really personal taste. hope this helps and if you have any questions dont hesitate to ask !

Answer 6

Catania?! it's beautiful and very very good place to live,work,study

Answer 7

Catania is the worst Italian city (SOLE 24 ORE) but if you go there for 7 months only there's no problem. Just look out and stay away from the worst hoods.

But why Catania? If you can choose I suggest you to go in a Northern or Centre-Italy city.

Hello

PS

I feel sorry but i think you must see this. This caused the stop of italian football for two weeks, and happened last friday in Catania.

http://sport.alice.it/it/cmc/calcio/2007...

Answer 8

recently IL SOLE 24 ORE, a famous italian newspaper, wrote Catania is the worse city in italy. If you want to to go in italy go to Mantova, Belluno, and so on

i'm italian

Answer 9

Too many think of the place as ridden with Mafia types, etc.  Forget that rubbish!  We motorcycle like one month about the island every few years (Wooster, Ohio bike parked in Paris since '91) and enjoy 100%.  If you can find a place with DECENT QUANTITY of topping on pizzas tho, don't let them get away.  Many WAY too skimpy!  Seven months will be just right for you!