Located on the eastern coast of Sicily, Italy, at the base of the Mount Etna, Catania has long been subject to the island’s powerful natural forces, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Over the centuries, these challenges have led to significant spatial transformations and adaptations within the city.

This research, forming the foundation for a potential design intervention, focuses on the

historical evolution of Catania's waterfront. By examining key sections where land meets water,

we highlight the most critical transitions and the persistent difficulties in integrating the city's

marine environment with its Baroque—and later—urban structures