Among secular trees, statues, fountains and shady paths there is one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe: Giardino Bellini or Villa Bellini, a green area located in via Etnea, Catania.
This garden was built back to the 18th century and was one of the properties of Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello di Biscari. Its surface extends up to 70,940 sqm.
The entrance to the villa features majestic Ficuses growing near the beautiful staircase with black and white pebbles in a mosaic, which leads up to a vestibule where in the center there is a large basin with a fountain and swans.
The facade of this fabulous entrance is closed off at the top by a refined Moorish-style Concert Kiosk, built in 1879 on the square on the southern hill, where the Biscari Villa once stood. In front of the north hill there is an area for children.
Inside the garden we find two small hills which are divided by a large flat open space, used to be able to park the carriages until the early 1900s, now this open space has no vegetation and is used to host theatrical performances.
Very important is the Avenue of Illustrious Men, inaugurated in 1880, where there are busts of famous characters from the history of Italy and Catania.
Entrance to the Villa is free and allowed every day, but the opening and closing times change depending on season:
- summer period from 6:00AM to 11:00PM;
- spring and autumn period from 6:00AM to 10:00PM;
- winter period from 6:00AM to 9:00PM.