Prestigious contemporary penthouse in the heart of the old city, and in front of the Ursino Castle, the emblematic monument of Catania built by Frederick II of Swabia and dating back to the 13th century.
The penthouse has been renovated by the owner - who is an architect by profession - in a contemporary style, with high attention to bringing light, to the choice of materials and the decorative details. A mix of modern and traditional style with the intention to preserve the history and give a new vibrancy and a modern hint. All furniture is made bespoke designed by the owner or designed by famous international designers.
Located on the second floor of a building dating back to 1900, this apartment consists of two levels. The first level is wrapped around the roof garden and overlooks the medieval castle. An open space with a large living area, a lounge with a sofa and armchairs, an entertainment system (projector + surround sound system) and a dining area for six people. At the same level, there is an open entrance area, with direct views to the terrace and the castle, a large kitchen and a amazingly decorated bathroom. The \"garden\" is equipped with a teak table and benches / chairs that provide the ideal setting for dinners and for relaxing moments while sipping a glass of wine or reading a book in the hammock.
At the second level, there is space for two double bedrooms (both with en-suite bathroom) , a studio room with a sofa bed, laundry, a corner with a dedicated desk and a roof terrace.
The penthouse is a concentrate of technology: fibre optic connections, electric skylight windows, high performant a/c and heating units controllable remotely, home theatre with surround system. The house is all insulated (walls and roof), has double glazing in all windows, and the EPC rate is A2.
Easy parking is available on the street for free. Please ask for more details.
We provide all the linen necessary for your stay (sheets and towels) sterilized and industrially washed. Cleaning of the premises is carried out using disinfectant products.
If you are interested in Sicilian gastronomy and want to live a \"supper club\" experience we can organize a dinner for you with special recipes from the Sicilian tradition and prepared at home. For more information contact us.
The building is restored, beautifully located and guarantees great tranquillity and privacy. The privileged position of the structure within the historic center of Catania, near the main attractions of the city, makes your stay comfortable, elegant, convenient; an ideal base from which to explore the south / eastern side of Sicily. Even without a car (the bus station is a 5 minute walk) you can visit Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto, Marzamemi, Vendicari nature reserve, Piazza Armerina, Pantalica, Taormina, Agrigento, Messina and Acireale and Palermo directly.
The apartment is within walking distance of almost all the main tourist attractions of Catania, including the Roman amphitheatre, the Achille baths, Roman thermal baths, the Benedictine monastery (the second largest in Europe at the time of construction ), Piazza Duomo (the main square) and the Cathedral; not to mention the famous fish market (La Pescheria, 3 minutes) and fresh food, Via Etnea, the Bellini Park, Via Crociferi (symbol of the baroque in the world), the Amenano river (which flows under the city and re-emerges in some points), the well of Gammazita (setting of ancient legends), Teatro Bellini (opera house with exceptional acoustics) and much more.
All the area offers a good selection of restaurants, bars, cocktail bars, wine bar and more.
A short ride on public transport (or by car) will take you in a few minutes to a sandy beach (south) or a rocky volcanic beach (north).
Etna can be reached in about 40 minutes by car or bus (departure from the central bus station).
The lease is provided under the Law 431/98.
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Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
No pets allowed
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts debit cards and cash
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number IT087015C2LVMJIIA4
About the area
Catania
Catania City Centre, a neighbourhood in Catania, is home to this apartment. Via Etnea is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Catania Beach and Mount Etna. Travelling with kids? Consider Palace of Culture and Agricola Gambino. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as sailing.
Is URG - Luxury penthouse in Catania Unesco centre pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at URG - Luxury penthouse in Catania Unesco centre?
As of 4 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at URG - Luxury penthouse in Catania Unesco centre on 7 July 2026 start from AU$449, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at URG - Luxury penthouse in Catania Unesco centre?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Where is URG - Luxury penthouse in Catania Unesco centre located?
Located in Catania City Centre, this family-friendly Catania apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Giovanni Verga's House Museum and Piazza del Duomo. Via Etnea and Catania Port are also within 10 minutes. Porto Station is 13 minutes by foot and Catania Acquicella Station is 17 minutes.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Loved everything about it. The deck. The bedrooms. The design--no surprise given that the owner is an architect. Paolo, who checked us in, was very kind and helpful.
Choose apartment for location and access to restaurants and attractions. Had owner take us for a city tour and make dinner. Was quite happy with the tour and excellent dinner. Would recommend staying there again.
An ideal apartment for two couples to explore Catania. The location, across from Castello Orsini, which can be seen from the balcony, is a short walk from the fish market and all the major sites. Beautifully appointed and very well maintained. Highly recommended.
Victor Z.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 June 2023
Thanks Victor!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Dmitry K.
4 Oct 2012
Modern and cosy penthouse
We have been in Massimo apartments two weeks. It was amazing experience. The apartments are situated in the centre of Catania with great views to old Ursino Castle and Etna. Everything is close if you like to experience local life when travel somewhere as we do. I mean market (fish and general), different shops and restaurants etc.
The penthouse itself is very good, absolutely new and modern. Very nice design (Massimo is architector) and modern fully equipped kitchen, 3 bathrooms, living room and bedrooms. You can check the photos they are absolutely real.
We spent many nice evening with barbeque and dinner on the terrace, so you will not be disappointed with that penthouse. As it has all you need for good rest.
Massimo himself was very helpful and asnwered all our enumerous questions. He helped us a lot and was very responsive.
So I will recommend that penthouse to my friends if they will decide to visit Sicily as we did.
Dmitry K.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks a lot Dmitry. It's always very good to have guests like you and your family.
Archival
8/10 Good
Hope R.
1 Nov 2017
Lovely large apartment in the heart of the historic part of Catania
This was one beautiful apartment near all of the historic sites and within walking distance of everything with many good restaurants including the one just downstairs. The coffee bar across the street was also in the perfect location and by the 3rd day we didn't have to say "Cafe Americana to Take Away". We were 4 people so that everyone could have their own ensuite bathroom as well as a good sized bed. More people would not have the privacy that we did.
However, here are some things to consider: Parking can be iffy. We mostly found a free spot on our street, but all of a sudden one day they were hauling away cars. Lucky for us we happened to be downstairs when that happened and could find another spot. Be aware that the police speak NO English. Some evenings there is very LOUD music until after midnight. Never could figure out where it was coming from. That happened 3 of the 5 nights we were there. Since there is no elevator and the apartment is on the top floor, be aware that you will be walking up lots of steps to get to your door. Not a huge problem unless you have heavy suitcases like we did and are all over 60! Finally, the apartment while well stocked with plates, glasses and cookware did not have extra things like toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent or tissues. The coffee maker needed single cup inserts which we couldn't find so therefore the coffee bar across the street was a necessity. These items were not easy to find at stores in small quantities for staying just a few days.
None of the above should be looked upon as a negative for staying there, just be aware of some of the issues we faced. May not matter to others.
BTW, the furniture and art is beautiful. Don't recommend staying there with small children especially since the inside stairs has no railing or protection from falling off.
Hope R.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Hello Hope, thanks for your feedback. I would like to clarify something that i didnt find correct in your description and is not useful for the next clients.
The flat you have booked is luxury, top and full equipped.
Probably you didnt have the opportunity, the patience to test everything in the right way.
First : in the flat you can find a Nespresso coffee machine (that one you say it needs single cup in). Nespresso machine is universally well known as a good coffee , but is not for you. There is another trditional coffee machine , for 10 people (it means , big) and working with coffee powder. Not so complicated. But you didnt like it. Maybe next time its better for you to send me the technical list of the appliances you want to find.
Second: parking space. The area has a huge number of parking space. Of course you have to consider that you have rent a flat in the historical center in the south of Italy and not in a country side in Colorado. Probably there is big difference on it. The historical centre in a italian city is alive (fortunatelY) full of restaurant and full of life.
Third: Music. I apologise if something happened but I cant control those things. IN the weenend its normal to have some alive party in the center of town. I can say that normally people renting this flat dont complain as you have done for noice or music. Probablu theuy like music more than you do?
Fourth: Police. I do apologise for this. Probably they dont speak english and I cant overcome this big lack.
Fifth: stairs and floors. Is well described in the advert that the flat is at the second floor and no lift. I can reassure you that we didnt change it before you arrived at the flat. It 's still at the second floor of an ancient building, no lift. I can add that we normally help our guests with baggage to go up!
Thanks again for being my guest . Best regards
This is a lovely place in terms of location and comfort. Not recommended for families with young children given the concern of protecting the furniture and artwork. For two couples though it offers space to share and space to separate....truly relaxing
Notre séjour s’est bien déroulé, la maison était très confortable et magnifique! L’accueil de Max a été très simple et complète au niveau des explications. La propreté des lieux était parfaite. Que dire de la terrasse unique en son genre qui crée une petite bulle de végétation très agréable.
Merci encore !!!
Merci encore pour ce beau moment passé à Catane. Nous étions très central pour visiter ou partir en excursion . Il y avait de beaux restaurants et le proprio Max nous a donné de bonnes informations .
Infos rapides et claires sur la propriété.
Merci encore !
Sehr stylische, hochwertige Wohnung mitten im Zentrum von Catania. Die besten Restaurants, der Fischmarkt und alle Attraktionen sind direkt um die Ecke. Alternativ kann man auf der Dachterrasse essen - mit Blick auf den Ätna. Traumhaft! Check-in/ check-out waren sehr unkompliziert und Max ein perfekter Gastgeber.
Our family of five had a great stay in Max's beautiful apartment. Communication ahead of the stay and during it was great, and although not able to meet us himself, Max's friend let us in and got us acquainted with the apartment when we arrived. It has everything you could need, and was extremely clean, as well as being in a great location. I thouroughly recommend staying here!
Perfect location. Outdoor patios lovely - used them daily. View of Castillo and action in the square. Walking distance to most favorable locales.
Be prepared to add to your daily steps as climb up to flat is 56 steps and steps within apartment but not a problem for us.
Food is not as good as anticipated so ask for recommendations.
Bel appartement bien confortable au centre de Catane
Agréable séjour dans un appartement sur 2 niveaux situé au 3e étage d’un immeuble au centre historique
Alain C.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
dominique B.
15 Jan 2019
Bel appartement à la décoration soignée ,situé à proximité des lieux à visiter
Tres grand appartement d'architecte décoré avec goût confortable et très bien équipé bénéficiant d'une terrasse avec vue sur le château ou l'on a pu dejeuner meme en cette saison !!!
Juste un bémol : convient mieux pour 5 personnes : la 3eme chambre n'étant équipée que d'un Canapé-lit dont la structure est peu adaptée pour un couple
Tres Bon accueil à notre arrivée
En résumé nous avons beaucoup aimé la vieille ville de Catane , le marché aux poissons et le petit restaurant situé au pied du logement
Cordialement
Bon accueil du pr
dominique B.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Dear Dominique, I thank you for your review.
I would like to remind you that is clearly described that in the third room there is a sofa bed.
Kind regards.
Beautiful apartment, decorated by an amazing designer. Situated at the perfect spot for everything. We were there for 2 weeks and it was great all the way....dinner on the big patio and beautiful view of the castle Ursino. Fish Market with h all you need for a real Italian experience....tons of panoramas of old buildings and view of the Etna volcano. We had the choices of thousands of restaurants of all kinds.
erick p.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2018
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Linda S.
1 Oct 2018
Perfect location and magnificent apartment.
We had the best time staying here as 2 couples for four nights. Everything you need is in the apartment, with all kinds of wonderful modern touches. The view is AMAZING from any of the terraces. There are markets, shops, and restaurants very close by. You won't need to walk far for anything... if you ever want to leave the apartment that is. I was so sad to go.
Linda S.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2018
Archival
8/10 Good
Thomas H.
7 Dec 2017
Traumwohnung mit kleinen Schönheitsfehlern
Diese wunderschöne und großzügige Wohnung liegt sehr zentral gegenüber dem Castello Orsini. Von den beiden Terrassen hat man einen fantastischen Blick auf den Ätna bzw. auf das Castello. Der junge Mann der uns empfangen hat, war sehr nett und für alle Fragen offen. Bis auf das, dass einige kleinere Schönheitsreparaturen nötig sind, war unser Aufenthalt perfekt.
Thomas H.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Thomas H.
7 Oct 2017
Herzlichen Dank!!!
Das war grandios!!! Eine Traumwohnung, sehr liebevoll, luxuriös und modern eingerichtet. Und dabei keine ausschließlich für AIRBNB hergerichtete Wohnung. Nein, hier wohnt jemand. Und das spürt man an jedem Detail. Man fühlt sich jgeradezu als Einheimischer. Und dazu Sonny, der uns ganz unkompliziert empfangen hat, obwohl wir viel zu früh waren, der uns Tipps gab und in jedem Moment ansprechbar war. Sogar sonntags um 7! morgens, beim Auschecken. Sonny Du bist nicht nur sunny sondern spitze! DANKE Und Massimiliano hat alles getan, damit man sich in Catania ein paar besondere Tage machen kann: Angefangen von den Dachterassen, der ersten Küche auf unserer langen Reise, die man auch wirklich benutzen konnte. (Sonst fehlt immer etwas. Hier ist alles da und es wird gekocht. ) Bis hin zum Media Center mit einem Großbild TV und einer wirklich netten AudioAnlage. Sogar eine ziemlich jazzige CD Sammlung steht zur Verfügung. Theoretisch könnte man während des Aufenthalts auch nur in der Wohnung bleiben. Gegenüber ist ein phantastisches Cafe, das immer auf hat. Und direkt vor der Haustür eins der besten Restaurants in der ganzen Stadt. Sogar eine Autowerkstatt ist am Haus. Falls es Probleme mit dem Wagen gibt. Nicht zu vergessen die Nähe zu allen Sehenswürdigkeiten und allen Buss Bahn- und Flug verbindungen. Catania Airport ist gute 10 Minuten entfernt. Daß die Bäder mit Holz dekoriert sind ist sehr schön aber mit dem Wasser schlecht zu machen. Weshalb man etwas vorsichtig duschen muß. Aber vielleicht baut sich Massimiliano ja irgendwann doch noch eine Bad mit Steinfliesen. Die können auch gut aussehen und sind wasserdicht. Und dann wäre es so schön hier, daß man es nur noch als Geheimtipp weitergeben darf. Nicht, dass es beim nächsten Mal ausgebucht ist. DANKE MAX!!! Wir kommen gerne wieder, wenn wir dürfen ... Ciao tomaso
Thomas H.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Birte N.
20 June 2017
Dejlig, veludstyret penthouse lejlighed centralt i Catania
Fin beliggenhed. De to terrasser til ophold ligger så der er sol/skygge på en af dem henholdsvis formiddag og eftermiddag. Veludstyret køkken med ALT, men der er også mange spisesteder lige i nærheden, det nærmeste er 5 m fra hoveddøren, og det er godt.
Indretning er smagfuld og moderne. Fin og god kommunikation med udlejer og hans medhjælper.
Birte N.
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar 2020
Thanks Birte
it always a pleasure to have guest as you all.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jeanne V.
6 Jan 2017
Very good accommodation in Catania
The location of the accommodation is perfect. You can walk easy to the center of the city and there are many restaurants nearby in the same street. The apartment looks very very nice, is very clean and is well equipped. We liked the roofgarden very much. Everyday we used there our breakfast. The other roof terrace has a breathtaking view on the Etna.
Jeanne V.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
7 Nov 2016
The best place in Town
There is any word to describe our experience in this wonderful and peacefulll place. Positive energy, high standard design, perfect location, full equipped, high tecnhologic, roof garden breathtaking, private terrace overlooking Etna.
We spent a week and was not enough to enjoy everything there. The best place to visit east sicily.
Behind the corner there is a gorgeous food and fish market (Pescheria), the Ursino Castle square has a lot of options for restaurants and bars, the area is dinamic and open 24 hours.
We felt into the sicilian culture and we appreciate it.
the house is very very confortable with 2 bedrooms with bathroom ensuite, a huge living room (with home cinmea), dining room and the terrace with decking and large table was the main attraction.
Unbelievable to live like in a villa in the center of town with the amzinng view of the medieval castle in front of you.
We checked all the area and we can confirm there is any other place with a better location than this.
We high reccomend this flat to who want to enjoy Sicily in a special way. Cost is even less than the penthouse deserves and the pictures just describe a part of the strong emotions you can live in this place.
Massimiliano is a fine architect and he was very good in design this magic place!
Archival
10/10 Excellent
3 Nov 2016
wonderful accommodation in Sicily
The listing and the photo's were accurate and a huge help in preparing for this trip to Catania. Max the owner, was more than helpful through our many e-mail exchanges. The apartment was well appointed, far exceeding our expectations. Free wifi was a huge bonus. Location near the various attractions , restaurants, and sightseeing possibilities was perfect. We felt safe in the area and walked to most places we choose to go. The Restaurant Da Antonio right outside the apartment was fabulous and we ate there several times. Many other good ones near by. The only draw back to the apartment is it's up on the upper floors of the building, so if flights of stairs presents an issue caution is advised. We had no problem negotiating them at all, a good workout. Max also provided us with the name of a tour guide for the trips that involved a distance. Vincenzo was an amazing driver, spoke english well and extremely knowledgeable about Sicily. We used him to go to Mt Etna, Siracusa, Noto, Ortigia and Taormina to name a few. We just can't say enough about this wonderful experience . A highly recommended place to vacation and an extremely comfortable apartment to spend the 8 days we were there.
Archival
8/10 Good
Charles M.
16 Oct 2016
Great Apartment In A Wonderful Location !!
The listing and the photo's were accurate and a huge help in preparing for this trip to Catania. Max the owner, was more than helpful through our many e-mail exchanges. The apartment was well appointed, far exceeding our expectations. Free wifi was a huge bonus. Location near the various attractions , restaurants, and sightseeing possibilities was perfect. We felt safe in the area and walked to most places we choose to go. The Restaurant Da Antonio right outside the apartment was fabulous and we ate there several times. Many other good ones near by. The only draw back to the apartment is it's up on the upper floors of the building, so if flights of stairs presents an issue caution is advised. We had no problem negotiating them at all, a good workout. Max also provided us with the name of a tour guide for the trips that involved a distance. Vincenzo was an amazing driver, spoke english well and extremely knowledgeable about Sicily. We used him to go to Mt Etna, Siracusa, Noto, Ortigia and Taormina to name a few. We just can't say enough about this wonderful experience . A highly recommended place to vacation and an extremely comfortable apartment to spend the 8 days we were there.
Charles M.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2016
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Ekki + Ariane H.
7 Aug 2016
Great locacion with great hosts, open, friendly
Very nice and tastefully, nice bars and restaurants around in the hart of town, quiet, clean and we become friends with Sarah and Massimiliano within minutes. Perfekt, specially if you looking for contact to the locals. They speak very well english (sarah is english teacher) and have great contacts for excursions, specially for an private etna tour. 120%
Airane + Ekki