Caltagirone

Located at 608 meters above sea level, Caltagirone extends across hills in southern Sicily with traditional architecture and ceramic decorations throughout its streets.

The name Caltagirone comes from Arabic 'qalʿat al-jirār', reflecting the city's ancient pottery traditions dating back to prehistoric settlements in the second millennium BCE.

The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte presents 142 steps, each decorated with different ceramic patterns representing centuries of local craftsmanship and artistic traditions.

The Regional Museum of Ceramics displays collections of pottery from prehistoric to modern times, offering insights into the evolution of local ceramic manufacturing techniques.

During the feast of Saint James on July 25, thousands of oil lamps illuminate the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, creating a light pattern across the steps.

Location: Metropolitan City of Catania

Capital city: Caltagirone

Elevation above the sea: 608 m

Part of: Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto

Shares border with: Acate, Gela, Grammichele, Licodia Eubea, Mazzarrone, Mineo, Mirabella Imbaccari, Niscemi, Piazza Armerina, San Michele di Ganzaria, Mazzarino

Address: 95041 Caltagirone, Metropolitan city of Catania, Italy

Website: https://comune.caltagirone.ct.it

GPS coordinates: 37.23333,14.51667

Latest update: June 2, 2025 10:25