Solsicily

Wonderful old and authentic building in a mixed neighbourhood, with its backside to the historic centre and its front facing Catania’s only real urban mistake, the ugly and bland central dividing wall of 1960s-era International Style low-rent apartments and street-level shopping arcades. It is now a refuge for newly arrived African and South Asian immigrants, who actually lend an air of vibrant street life and small-shop enterprise to what could easily have become a dead zone. Just behind is the usual maze of rip-off restaurants aimed at fleecing tourists. There are excellent places to eat throughout Catania, but it takes a local to know them and most of them are outside 'tourist central'. For open street markets it is very close to the main one in Piazza Carlo Alberto, so there are abundant cheap goods and groceries at hand. A cool repertory theatre, Cinema King, is maybe twenty steps away on the same street, heading south toward the train station. Original-language films, identified as 'VOS', are shown on occasion; otherwise expect dubbed films, not subtitled ones. As to the BnB proper, the host/manager is extremely helpful and knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as places to shop and eat. There is an ample shared kitchen/saloon with a sunny balcony where you can also do a small load of laundry if needed. The rooms are all over the place in this multi-level funky space, which adds a level of privacy. The single room is small; if you are a single traveller, spend a little extra and go for the attic; you will have the entire top floor to yourself. Here you may be bothered by random and recurring noise at night from a neighbour’s water pump; if so, earplugs are advised.

Excellent property, very kind and helpful, recommended for everyone.