Caltanissetta, Provincial capital in central Sicily, Italy
Caltanissetta is a commune in central Sicily spread across several hills and crossed by the Salso River. The streets rise and fall through residential neighborhoods, medieval lanes, and open squares framed by churches and older palace facades.
The settlement began under Carthaginian rule in the 5th century BC and later shifted to Arab control in the 9th century AD. Norman rulers took over the area in the 11th century and shaped the urban layout that remains visible today.
Holy Week brings special processions through the streets, with life-sized statues carried by local groups through the old center. Cafés along the main roads serve regional pastries while residents gather in the squares for evening conversation.
The old center can be explored on foot, though comfortable shoes help with the steep lanes. Most shops close at midday for several hours and reopen in the late afternoon.
The area hosts small mud volcanoes near Terrapelata formed by underground gases. These low cones bubble slowly and form a gray lunar landscape reachable on a short walk.
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