The Central Palace of the University of Catania houses the Rectorate, the University’s central administrative offices, and the “Giambattista Caruso” Regional Library. The building—whose construction dates back to 1696—occupies an entire city block and features an internal courtyard designed in the style of a cloister. Located on the piano nobile (main floor) is the Great Hall (Aula Magna), which features frescoes by Giovan Battista Piparo. On the wall behind the academic podium, a prominent tapestry displays the coat of arms of the Dynasty of Aragon. Several distinguished architects contributed to the palace’s construction, including Francesco and Antonino Battaglia, as well as Giovan Battista Vaccarini.

The Palazzo degli Elefanti (formerly known as the Palazzo Senatorio, named after the Civic Senate, the historic predecessor to the City Council) is a historic building in Catania that serves as the City Hall.
It is situated on the north side of the scenic Piazza del Duomo, adjacent to the Cathedral of Saint Agatha and directly opposite the Palace of the Seminary of the Clerics. At the center of the square, positioned between these two palaces, stands the famous Elephant Fountain.