The Giardino Bellini (also known by the locals as "Villa Bellini" or "a'villa") is the main recreational and relaxation area for the citizens of Catania. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is the city's primary green lung. Villa Bellini in Catania covers an area of 70,942 square meters and is adorned with various statues, bubbling fountains, well-maintained flowered lawns, and hedges.
Villa Bellini was commissioned by Prince Ignazio Paternò Castello in the eighteenth century. In 1854, it was purchased by the municipality of Catania, which decided to restore it, entrusting the work to the local architect Landolina.
In 1880, the Viale degli Uomini Illustri (Avenue of Illustrious Men) was inaugurated, featuring a series of busts erected on columns representing various important figures in Italian and Catanian history:

• Bust of Federico De Roberto
• Bust of Giovanni Verga
• Bust of Mario Rapisardi
• Bust of Luigi Capuana
• Bust of Angelo Musco
• Bust of Nino Martoglio
• Bust of Giovanni Grasso
• Bust of Stesicoro
• Bust of Francesco Paolo Frontini
• Bust of Gaetano Emanuel Cali
• Bust of Francesco Pastura