Caltagirone, Baroque heritage commune in Metropolitan City of Catania, Italy.
Caltagirone is a commune in the Metropolitan City of Catania on Sicily, known for its painted ceramics and baroque buildings. Streets climb between hills at 608 meters elevation, and many house walls carry tiles with geometric or floral patterns.
The name derives from the Arabic term for fortified castle of the potters and reflects the ceramic tradition that exists since prehistoric times in the second millennium before Christ. After the earthquake of 1693 the town was rebuilt in baroque style.
The cathedral of San Giuliano dominates the central square and combines baroque forms with painted tiles on its facade. On feast days locals gather on the steps and in the lanes, where workshops with open doors show the work of potters.
The lanes are steep and cobbled, so sturdy shoes are recommended for the visit. The Regional Museum of Ceramics shows collections from different periods and sits near the central square.
On the feast of Saint James on July 25 thousands of oil lamps light the 142 steps of the Santa Maria del Monte staircase and draw a large light pattern into the night. Residents prepare each lamp individually and ignite them at dusk.
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