A city with a thousand years of tradition
The name Caltagirone comes from Arabic and means "castle in the cave". Already during the Arab and Norman periods, the town became a centre for the production of ceramics, which is still its greatest pride today. Colourful plates, vases and mosaics with typical Sicilian motifs can be found at every turn - in workshops, markets and in the decoration of buildings.
The historic centre of Caltagirone is listed by UNESCO as part of the "Late Baroque Cities of the Noto Valley". Baroque palaces, churches and monumental squares create an unforgettable backdrop that instantly transports you to another time.
Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte - the stairs you must see
The city's biggest magnet is undoubtedly the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte - a 142-metre-long staircase with 142 steps, the heads of which are decorated with colourful majolica tiles. Each step tells a different story from Sicilian history, creating a unique open-air gallery.
In July, during the La Scala Illuminata festival, the stairs are transformed into a fiery mosaic - thousands of candles create magical images that attract visitors from all over the world.
What else to see in Caltagirone
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Museo Regionale della Ceramica - the largest ceramics museum in Sicily, where you'll see exhibits from antiquity to the present day.
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St. Julian's Cathedral (Duomo di San Giuliano) - the Baroque landmark of the town with a richly decorated interior.
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Villa Comunale - a beautiful park designed by the famous architectural duo Giuseppe and Ernesto Basile, ideal for relaxing.
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Handicraft workshops and shops - the perfect place to buy original Sicilian ceramics direct from the masters.
Culinary experiences
Caltagirone will also delight foodies. Sicilian sweets such as cassatella di ricotta (stuffed pastry with ricotta) or almond candy are typical. Don't forget to try the local wines, which are a perfect match for traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Practical tips for your visit
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Transport: Caltagirone is about 70 km from Catania and can be easily reached by train, bus or car.
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Best time of year: spring and autumn are ideal due to pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. If you want to experience La Scala Illuminata, head here in July.
Why visit Caltagirone?
Because nowhere else in Sicily will you find such a unique combination of Baroque architecture, millennia of ceramic tradition and vibrant Sicilian traditions. caltagirone is a town where history comes alive at every turn - whether you're strolling through its famous Scalinata, admiring the art in its museums, or taking away a piece of Sicily in the form of a hand-painted vase.
