It is a picturesque city at the foot of the Etna volcano that allows you to view the active mountain that over the years has become a real tourist attraction, but it is also considered the most dangerous city in Europe – where it is simply forbidden to walk around with jewelry or cash.
Meet the Sicilian city of Catania, also known as the "Black City," which is considered completely controlled by mafia families and where robberies, including car theft, are a daily occurrence.
It is important to note that the local police forces are making great efforts to impose the law in the city. An example of this is the huge seizure of two tons of cocaine that floated in the sea off the coast of Catania last year. This perception illustrates on the one hand the ongoing attempt by law enforcement authorities to deal with crime in the city, but it is also a testament to the extensive use of the city's port to transport huge quantities of drugs throughout the Mediterranean.
Beware of Catania nights, Photo: Getty Images
It should be noted that Catania received the nickname "Black City" because of the black ash and volcanic soot emitted by Mount Etna, which blackened all the city's houses over the years. This is another reason why it is interesting to walk around the city and see the effects of the nearby volcano.
Tourists brave enough who decide to visit the city are advised not to walk there at night, since pickpockets from many countries are active there during these hours. In addition, the travel website Travelsafe-abroad advises travelers not to wear expensive jewelry – and to place backpacks in the front rather than on the back. "Don't take a lot of cash with you and be aware of pickpockets and motorcycles snatching bags, wallets and smartphones. At night, avoid walking in the city, and if you have to walk then take a taxi."
The main cause of the city's predicament is the large Ndrangheta crime family, which has been active throughout Italy since the 18th century, and is now considered the most powerful and organized crime family in Italy and one of the most dangerous crime syndicates in Europe. The activities of this criminal organization include money laundering, tax evasion, drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
"Avoid walking it." Catania, Photo: Getty Images
The city's grave condition is also reflected in the state of its streets, which one tourist defined as "a dump where people of dubious appearance hang out and stand at the corner of the street all the time."
Another tourist who visited the city said, "Our 4-star hotel is in a place that is actually minus four stars. We went out at night for dinner with only €100 in hand, in case we were robbed. The hotel staff were really worried and warned us about this exit. The streets are dirty, the walls are covered in graffiti, there are abandoned cars everywhere and we avoided making eye contact with the people on the street. It felt like we were on the set of a crime movie."
Recently, Catania Airport, where there are direct Wizz Air and Israir flights, burned down. The Israeli airline has already managed to transfer its flights to Palermo, Sicily, following the fire there last week.
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