Surrounded by a beautiful park, this stately edifice was built between 1904 and 1910 at the command of King Leopold II. This museum is home to the largest collection of ethnographic objects from central Africa. Liberally sprinkled with pictures, masks, everyday objects, jewels, decorative elements, musical instruments and a wide range of exotic animals, it showcases the richness and diversity of the African continent. Now, a new impetus is driving this respectable institution. Going beyond the traditional museum concept, it intends to present an open window on the African continent, a change clearly reflected by the desire to understand Africa and its Belgian colonial past in a more critical and objective way. To fulfill this goal, the museum closed its doors for a necessary renovation period. During its closure the museum "pops-up" with temporary exhibitions and activities in different places. The reopening of the completely revamped Royal Museum for Central Africa, a major event, is planned for December 2018 (check the website for the exact date).

Monastero San Benedetto, situated in Crociferi street, is a symbol of Catania. It is identifiable by the arch which unites the Monastery’s main abbey and the Church of Saint Benedict – one of the most beautiful baroque churches in Sicily – to the little abbey, wherein the MacS museum is housed.

Sicily’s most famous composer is Vincenzo Bellini, who was born in Catania (1801-1835). His operas 'Norma', 'La Straniera' and 'Sonnambula' are famous all over the world. Museo Civico Belliniano is claimed to be one of the nicest in Catania, exhibiting pianos and memorabilia.