Catania is a gritty, industrial city on the east coast of Sicily, overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbor, Taormina. But it has a certain charm that is hard to resist. The city center is a warren of narrow streets lined with Baroque palaces and churches. The focal point is the Piazza del Duomo, with its imposing cathedral and the Fountain of Orion. The baroque style is also evident in the many churches and palaces, including the Palazzo dei Normanni, the city’s oldest building. There are several interesting museums, including the Museo Belliniano, dedicated to the 18th-century composer Vincenzo Bellini, and the Museo Archeologico, which contains a collection of ancient Greek and Roman artifacts. The city is also a great base for exploring the surrounding area, including Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano.