

Catania's Iconic Landmarks
[{"address":"Ostello degli Elefanti Hostel Catania","location":{"longitude":15.087569900000029,"longitudeDelta":0.05931524526337661,"latitude":37.50324996218683,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421},"placeId":null,"media":[{"content":{"place_id":"ChIJbYCD8S7jExMRQ69EQkayYjc"},"type":"place"},{"content":"Good morning. I hope you slept well and are feeling ready for a full day of exploring Catania. Before we get started, I recommend grabbing breakfast right here at the hostel.","type":"text"},{"content":"You can keep it simple with a fresh croissant and a strong espresso, or go for something a little more filling if you're hungry. It’s a relaxed way to fuel up without going far, and the rooftop views make it a pretty great spot to ease into the day.","type":"text"},{"content":"Once you’ve had your coffee and feel ready to head out, we’ll begin the day’s adventure and see what this city has in store.","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FsVBcnr8pxd0qQnFdRh8g%2Ftts_0.mp3?alt=media&token=defa722a-6767-49e7-8550-53bfc014f2f5"},{"address":"Fontana dell'Elefante (uʻ Liotru)","location":{"longitude":15.086933400000001,"longitudeDelta":0.05931524526337661,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":37.502590362186524},"placeId":null,"media":[{"content":{"place_id":"ChIJV63v_C7jExMRLThjTCcPppk"},"type":"place"},{"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FsVBcnr8pxd0qQnFdRh8g%2Felephant1.jpg?alt=media&token=b1a2adb0-2a80-4511-939d-5df78363205b","type":"img"},{"content":"Welcome to the Fontana dell'Elefante, the most iconic symbol of Catania. Locals call it “u Liotru,” and it has stood proudly in Piazza del Duomo since 1736.","type":"text"},{"content":"The statue features a black lava stone elephant with a white marble obelisk on its back. The elephant is ancient, likely carved during Roman times, and the obelisk was added later during the Baroque redesign of the city. Together, they represent Catania’s strength, blending history, myth and resilience in one striking monument.","type":"text"},{"content":"According to legend, the elephant is linked to a magician named Eliodoro, who supposedly rode it through the streets performing spells. While the story is more folklore than fact, the name Liotru comes from a twist on his name and has stuck ever since.","type":"text"},{"content":"The statue faces the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, anchoring the city’s spiritual and civic heart. It also faces Mount Etna, a reminder of the volcano that has shaped Catania’s streets, buildings and history.","type":"text"},{"content":"Fontana dell'Elefante is more than a fountain. It is a beloved emblem, a guardian of the city and a playful reminder that in Catania, legend and reality often walk side by side.","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FsVBcnr8pxd0qQnFdRh8g%2Ftts_1.mp3?alt=media&token=9f2d596f-c2f4-4440-b1c8-91586d1bf46f"},{"address":"Ostello degli Elefanti Hostel Catania","location":{"latitude":37.50324996218683,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"longitude":15.087569900000029,"longitudeDelta":0.05931524526337661},"placeId":null,"media":[{"content":{"place_id":"ChIJbYCD8S7jExMRQ69EQkayYjc"},"type":"place"},{"content":"I hope you’ve had a great day discovering the streets, markets, and stories of Catania. Now it’s time to unwind and enjoy the evening back at the hostel.","type":"text"},{"content":"Head up to the lounge bar and grab a drink. Whether it's a local wine, a cold beer, or something simple from the bar, this is the place to settle in. Even better, the hostel serves free pasta in the evening, so you can enjoy a hot meal without needing to go anywhere.","type":"text"},{"content":"Find a spot on the rooftop, take in the city views, and let the day slow down. If you're not quite ready to leave Catania behind, staying another night might not be a bad idea.","type":"text"}],"ttsFile":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FsVBcnr8pxd0qQnFdRh8g%2Ftts_2.mp3?alt=media&token=e304c782-eb6a-4e25-b114-99c04d8d4808"}]
- Self-Guided experience
- Run anytime, anywhere, 24/7, with your own phone
- Self-Guided experience
- Additional expenses such as food and drink
- Transport
Ostello degli Elefanti is a vibrant and welcoming hostel located in the heart of Catania, offering travelers a unique stay in a historic Sicilian palace. With stunning rooftop views and engaging social events, it’s the perfect base to explore from.
Ostello degli Elefanti is a vibrant and welcoming hostel located in the heart of Catania, offering travelers a unique stay in a historic Sicilian palace. With stunning rooftop views and engaging social events, it’s the perfect base to explore from.

Use your phone to explore a new city or your own home town.

You’re the boss. Start the experience virtually or at the start location. Initiate at a time that works for you.

Each experience is hand made by a real local or organisation who is uniquely knowledgeable.
Extend the relationship with your guests beyond the lobby and into the real world
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Copyrights ©2025 FreeGuides. All rights reserved.