Piazza Mazzini Colonnato
On Gingerguide's self-guided Catania audio tour, Piazza Mazzini Colonnato is a stop worth about ~20 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type ruins
- Suggested visit ~20 min
- Catania Catania guide
About Piazza Mazzini Colonnato
A striking ensemble of 32 ancient Roman columns supporting the Baroque arcades of Piazza Mazzini, reused from the original Roman city, the most visible Roman monument in Catania's historic centre.
Piazza Mazzini, in the northern part of Catania's historic centre, is unusual in that its four Baroque arcaded sides are supported not by Baroque columns but by 32 genuine ancient Roman columns, taken from the ruins of the Roman city after the 1693 earthquake and reused in the post-earthquake rebuilding. These columns, white marble, in the Ionic order, clearly Roman in their proportions and workmanship, stand in the ground floor arcades of the piazza's four enclosing buildings, their ancient shafts and capitals supporting Baroque arches and upper floors. The combination of Roman columns and Baroque construction above them is a uniquely honest expression of how Catania was built: literally on the ruins of Roman Catania, reusing whatever materials were available.
Did you know? The 32 Roman columns in Piazza Mazzini were probably taken from a Roman portico or forum, they were reused after the 1693 earthquake because Roman marble was far superior to locally quarried stone.
How much time do you need at Piazza Mazzini Colonnato?
Around ~20 min works well for Piazza Mazzini Colonnato — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Piazza Mazzini Colonnato?
Yes — Piazza Mazzini Colonnato made the cut as one of 20 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Catania. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in Catania
Hear the story of Piazza Mazzini Colonnato
Preview the Catania tour free in the Gingerguide app.