Catania's Fish Market
6 Things you probably didn't know about the legendary Fish Market in Catania
6 Things you probably didn't know about the legendary Fish Market in Catania
Catania's "a Piscaria" has long been a destination of fascination and tradition for both tourists and locals.
The fish market is a Catania tradition between the "vanniate" and the "cutiddazzi": the former referring to the noisy negotiating of the fishmongers, the latter to the knife used to cut the swordfish freshly landed in Catania's port, just a few steps from the market.
By the end of this blog,
we hope to answer all your questions
about the famous Fish Market, so stay tuned.
Table of contents - Navigation
1. What are they saying? Unveiling the Secrets of Vendor Shouts
2. The Best Times to Immerse in the Market's Magic
3. History: The Market's Resilience after the 1963 Earthquake
4. Top 3 Must-Try Street Food Delicacies at the Market
5. Beyond the Catch of the Day: Exploring the Market's Hidden Treasures
6. The 5 Best Restaurants in the Fish Market for an Unforgettable Meal
1. What are they saying? Unveiling the Secrets of Vendor Shouts
Catania's fish market, known locally as "A Piscaria," is the heart of the city.
It’s loud, it’s surprising, it’s humbling, it’s real.
Colours, fragrances, and words come together in a delightful way.
The merchants enchant with their proverbs and popular "vanniate," or shouts, used to advertise the fish and draw consumers to their stand.
'Signora, stu puppu ie vivu vivu!'
(Mrs, this octopus is still alive!)
'Chissu ie accussi friscu tu poi mangiar cruru!'
(this is so fresh you can eat it raw!)
If you know someone local, ask them to translate the daily "vanniate”. You’ll find lots of amusing poetry in them.
When's the best time to enjoy fully?
2. When is the best time to visit Catania's Fish Market?
The fish market comes to life in the early morning, around 5.30 a.m., when the fishmongers arrive.
If you’d like to take a few snaps, the early morning hours (around 7.30 am) offer a more calm environment; it's easier to roam among the booths, observe the fresh fish arrive and the merchants arrange it on the stalls.
However, the busiest period is between 10 am and 12 pm, when visitors, bystanders, and purchasers flock there to buy freshly caught fish.
The market's ancient lava stone floor is covered with fish leftovers and puddles of water, so don't wear open-toed shoes!
Catania's Fish Market Opening Times
It's open from Monday to Saturday between 7.30 and 1pm, but most stalls start closing at 12.
It's closed on Sunday, when you may instead visit the Antiques Market adjacent to the arches.
You'll find all sorts of antiques, relics, coins and stones.
If you are a treasure hunter, make sure you check it out.
Now, a bit of interesting history before revealing some street food gems around the market !
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3. The Market's Resilience after the 1963 Earthquake
Something which is very little known is that the sea used to come all the way up to the arches that support the train-line.
As a result, the boats used to stretch all the way to the market's entrance.
The actual Catania's fish market began at Piazza Mazzini, but following the devastating earthquake of 1693, it was relocated to its current position, behind Piazza Duomo.
One of the original walls of Catania's historic city, dating from the XVI century, can be found at the fish market. It is located over the "Antica Marina" restaurant. It’s one of the most important landmarks, but often overlooked.
The market's centre is surrounded on three sides by historic stone buildings.
On the fourth side, however, the buildings retreat to form a passageway overlooking the market.
Leaning over the railing, amongst local onlookers, you can admire one of the finest performances on the planet, with a bird's eye perspective of the action below.
And now, the big question, where do we try some local delicacies?
4. Top 3 Must-Try Street Food Delicacies at the Market
1. Fried Seafood Cone
At Scirocco Street Food, the irresistible aroma of freshly fried seafood through the air, will draw you in.
Don't miss their specialty - a cone brimming with a mix of fried prawns, squid, paranza, and other seafood delights. Each bite, crisp and flavorful, is a testament to the freshness of the catch and the skill of the chefs.
Conveniently located in the market's vibrant center, from their tables you can admire in the lively market atmosphere while enjoying every single bite.
2. Local Cheeses and Charcuterie, and a glass of Etna Wine
If you fancy a glass of wine and a board of fresh charcuterie and cheese, there are some stalls, like “Salumeria Patti”.
The owners are very kind and welcoming.
Picture yourself savouring a glass of Sicilian wine, paired with a board of fresh charcuterie and exquisite local cheeses, pistachios and local sauces.
Tucked away in a quiet alley of the Fish Market, in via Gisira 8 you'll find tables where you can relax and indulge in the vibrant flavours of Sicily.
3. Roasted Artichokes, Peppers and Caponata
By the arches supporting the train line, the smoke of barbecued artichokes and red peppers floats thickly through the air.
A seller stands over a battered handcrafted grill, methodically placing artichoke after artichoke in regular rows over the flames.
He continues by slathering each spiny artichoke with olive oil and sprinkling with freshly chopped parsley.
Red peppers are being grilled on another grill, their skins now charred to an unidentifiable black ashy tone.
If you’re in the mood, they are a must try, together with a loaf of ciabatta bread that the vendors have readily available with some freshly made caponata.
🍘 Want a list of the Best Street Foods in Catania and where to find them? Read the article here!
5. Beyond the Catch of the Day: Exploring the Market's Hidden Treasures
Stacks of Octopuses, Red Prawns, Lobsters, oyster crates.
Mollusks, cockles, and clams squirt water into the air while you can admire exquisite arrangements of Red Tuna and Swordfish.
But if that's not enough for you, there's still more to see and taste.
The secret to a Sicilian great meal is the freshness of the ingredients, and the market is brimming with local seasonal fruit, meat, and cheese.
A few steps from the fish market area, there are lanes filled with local fruits and veg, fresh produce and lots of independently owned restaurants.
Feel free to roam, ask and stop at each stall, even if you do not buy anything.
Stalls lining the street brim with oranges, lemons, artichokes, and eggplants.
The rich and fertile soil of Catania's volcano feeds everything cultivated on its slopes, including mushrooms from the mountain settlements that surround Mt. Etna.
The availability of dried fruits, dates, nuts, and spices dates back to the Arab occupation of Sicily.
In the mood for a seated restaurant meal around the fish market?
We'll share our
6 Top Picks
👇
6. The 6 Best Restaurants in the Fish Market for an Unforgettable Meal
Here's a list of what we believe are the best restaurants around the Fish Market.
These are our recommendation and we are not sponsored by them in any way.
Hope you will enjoy them as much as we did!
OUR EXPERIENCE
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🚆 Get Around Catania - Transportation
Want to get around Catania? Here's some options for you handy so you can always get to your destination in the best way.
🚕 Taxi Service 24/7 Radio Taxi:
Click to call +39 095 8833
Click to Whatsapp +39 342 073 6541
🚗
Rent a car at Catania Airport:
(Recommendations Based on Online Reviews)
- Centauro Nolo Auto:
Click to call +39 068 3662959
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- D'Urso Rent Catania (no credit card required):
Click to call +39 348 551 8634
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- Zeronove Bike Rental & Repair:
Click to call +39 375 626 8655
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- D'Urso Rent Catania (no credit card required):
Click to call +39 095 218 0438
Open in Google
Maps
🛴
Electric Scooters Catania:
The electric scooters are all around Catania. You can download the apps, connect your credit/debit card and you're ready to ride!
Price: Rides cost about 0.25-0.30 per minute, plus an unlock fee depending on the app.
I use Dott's 2 rides pass, or weekly pass, and it saves a lot !
The 3 main apps are:
Dott: Better and more affordable passes, wide range in the city.
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Lime:
More comfortable Scooters, but you pay slightly more.
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Helbiz:
wide range in the city, comfortable rides.
🚄 Public Transport
🚌 AMTS City Buses: you can find the tickets on the 'Tobacco shops' with a 'T' sign outside, then you can find informations to move around easily on Google Maps.
Price:
1 Euro for every 90 minutes (timer starts after you validate your ticket on the bus)
🚃 Metro Trains Underground: Catania metro system is very easy to navigate. It has only 9 stations, and it takes 25 mins to go all the way from first to last station.
Metro does operate every day excluded Sunday or public holidays. Train run every 10 min from 8.30 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. and than every 15 min until the end of the service at 9.00 p.m. On Saturdays, service runs until midnight. Ticket per 90 min costs 1 eur.
Price: Day ticket is 2 Euros and may be purchased at ticket machine at every station.
Explore the city's best free activities, restaurants, and insider tips, all curated from our local and personal experience.
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