B&B Piazza Duomo Catania

Piazza Duomo is the main square of Catania, a vibrant focal point where three key streets converge: Via Etnea, the city’s historic main avenue; Via Giuseppe Garibaldi; and Via Vittorio Emanuele II, which runs east to west through the square. On the eastern side of the square stands the Cathedral, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, celebrated on February 5th.

The Elephant Fountain

The Elephant Fountain (Fontana dell’Elefante) is a monumental work created between 1735 and 1737 by the architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. It is located in the center of Piazza del Duomo in Catania. The main feature of the fountain is a black basalt statue depicting an elephant, commonly known as “u Liotru,” and considered the emblem of the Sicilian city.

An ancient legend explains the origin of Catania’s elephant, which has been the official symbol of the city since 1239. According to this legend, when Catania was first settled, all ferocious and dangerous animals were driven away by an elephant. In gratitude, the citizens of Catania erected a statue of the elephant, which they called “liotru,” a dialectal variation of the name Elidoro. Elidoro was a learned man from the 8th century who was burned alive in 778 by the Bishop of Catania, Saint Leo II the Thaumaturge, because he disturbed sacred rites with various magic tricks, including making the stone elephant appear to walk.

In the words of Antonio Zacco (1735):

“E ‘nta lu chianu c’è principiata
Di la gran Catedrali una funtana,
Maistusa, ben fatta, ottangulata.
La nobiltà e lu populu ccu gana
Di tri sorti di sassi situati
Irgeru stu gran fonti a la rumana.“

Translation:

“And in the square, before the great Cathedral,
A fountain has been started, majestic,
Well made, octagonal.
Nobility and the people, with enthusiasm,
From three types of stones arranged,
Have erected this grand fountain in the Roman style.“