Ostello degli Elefanti

Upon leaving Catania Central Station one cannot help but notice that northwards stand an array of red brick chimneys. If you head that way, along Viale Africa, you will discover that they form a complex which today houses museum, exhibition spaces and an evening venue called ”Zo” – what, you may wonder, are these a remnant of?

Giovanni Verga was born in Catania in 1840, when Sicily formed part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. From a family of landowning minor nobility, Verga was sent to the University of Catania, but found himself unable to resist focusing on his writing while he was meant to be studying law. He even took the money his father had given him to pay for his studies to publish his work – “The Carbonari of the Mountain”.

We have been very busy, trying on all levels to augment the activities of the hostel, while also attending to the sort of wholesale improvements that are not feasible when the hostel is open.

One of the wonderful things about staying with us is the experience of living in a historical palace, in one of Catania’s most prestigious addresses. This building was constructed more than three centuries ago for Noble families native to Catania. The highlights of the palace are the fresco-adorned ceilings of the hostel, and the stunning city and volcano views available from our balconies and the rooftop bar.