Church of Saint Julian

We were told about this place from a lovely guy who took us on the tour for teatro messimo and we’re weren’t disappointed! Only a few euros to get in to this absolute beauty. You have to pay in cash but it stays open a little later than 17:30. The view from the top is arguably the best panoramic view of the city and when we went there were only two other people up there so it was very quiet. Lots of important history with this church and the surrounding area so make sure to use the audio guide and look up more info on the place. Thanks!

Beautiful church like almost all 130 churches in Catania. The highlight is the top of the dome of the church which you can go to. Fantastic 360 degree view of the city and Etna. Absolutely worth going up there. Entrance was 5€

If you visit only one church, I would recommend this one! Very nice architecture, amazing view from the rooftop. You can climb three flights of stairs right up to the top of the roof. Enjoy the amazing view, and try the bells

Well hidden in a small side-road quite a bit away from the touristic center of Catania, but very well worth a visit. Entry is just a few Euros for the church, the back room and, most importantly, the roof. And that roof offers an amazing few over Catania and up to the Etna. Seriously, go there and have a look!

Don’t miss out this church it is a true hidden gem with amazing look on the city, also no crowds.

Worthwile location to visit while in Catania. Great rooftop view. Breathtaking and inspiring. Careful - visits seem to end at around 12.00 (maybe lunch break/siesta) so plan accordingly. Entrance costs 4 euro.

Sorry but this is the most/only disappointing European church I have ever been in. First, it's €4 to even see the inside. Fine, we heard from our last church guide that the view is fantastic. The main congregation hall is nice, but every other (free) church nearby has a similar look. I had hoped the stairs would be historic, but no, just brutalist cement steps leading to a barren brutalist cement rooftop. I attached a video of the view so you can see for yourself; it looks cropped, but I just filmed above the brutalist cement wall. What's crazy is there are so many nice churches and monasteries nearby with so much to explore that are free to enter.. I feel like I paid a tourist tax for not doing my research 😅

Located on Via dei Cruciferi (a street of approximately 200 meters which comprises all of Catania baroque highest architectural achievements, with four churches and complexes), the baroque church dedicated to San Giuliano offers you breathtaking views of Catania landscapes both from the terraces and from the (lanterna), the highest structural point of the building. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.