Piazza del Duomo, Square in Catania, Italy

Piazza del Duomo is the main square of Catania, located in the heart of the historic center. It is paved with large light-grey and darker grey stone slabs arranged in contrasting diagonal bands, and is surrounded by the cathedral, the town hall, and other historic buildings.

The square has been the heart of Catania since ancient times, with the cathedral originally built in the 11th century on the ruins of Roman baths. After the devastating earthquake of 1693, the square was rebuilt in the Baroque style, including the cathedral's façade designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini in 1711.

At the center of the square stands the Elephant Fountain, known locally as 'u Liotru', which is the symbol of Catania. The square is also the focal point for the annual Festival of Saint Agatha, when processions and celebrations fill the space.

The square is flat and easy to walk across, with wide open space and a few benches. It is a good starting point for exploring the surrounding streets, and you can visit the cathedral and the town hall from here.

Beneath the square lie the Achillean Baths, ancient Roman thermal structures from the 4th century, about 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters) below the surface. You can access them through a short staircase between the cathedral and the Palazzo dei Chierici, and inside you can see the underground river Amenano flowing.