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Caltagirone - Via Asilo infantile 2
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In central-eastern Sicily, between the plains of Catania and Gela, lies the vibrant town of Caltagirone, renowned for its rich history and late-Baroque historic centre, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Today, the town stands as one of the principal centres of inland Sicily and is not only an important tourist destination but also famous for its artisanal ceramics production. Founded by the ancient Greeks, Caltagirone flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule before becoming a significant commercial hub during the Arab period. Following the defeat of the Arabs, it was under Norman rule that Caltagirone saw its artistic vocation flourish, particularly through ceramics production—a tradition that remains distinctive to the region today.
From the 15th century onwards, it became known as the “City of Ceramics“, and its thriving economy led to the construction of churches, noble palaces, institutes and colleges. Like other towns in eastern Sicily, however, 1693 proved a pivotal year for Caltagirone when a devastating earthquake destroyed many settlements in the area and claimed numerous lives. In the 19th century, Caltagirone saw the construction of numerous buildings and palaces first in late Baroque style and later in Liberty style, among which stand out the Cathedral of San Giuliano, the Palazzo della Magnolia and the Palazzo delle Poste. Over the last century, Caltagirone has become an important tourist destination, largely thanks to its rich artisanal, artistic and architectural heritage, which encompasses numerous museums, over fifty churches and several prestigious villas.
Caltagirone is truly an open-air museum that has preserved numerous outstanding architectural works over time, such that its historic centre has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with those of the other towns in the Val di Noto.
Walking through the streets of the centre, you’ll notice the long artistic tradition linked to ceramics craftsmanship, evident from the numerous workshops and shops selling these wares.
The symbol of Caltagirone is the famous “Santa Maria del Monte Staircase“, a monumental flight of stairs leading to the town’s historic centre, distinguished by its elegant steps decorated with colourful majolica tiles. The staircase was first built in 1606 with the aim of connecting the old part of Caltagirone to the new town constructed on the higher slopes.
In the mid-19th century the staircase was refurbished and the 142 steps visible today were built. There are several times throughout the year when it’s particularly lovely to admire and climb the staircase, such as during “L’Infiorata” in May, when the steps are decorated with flowers, and the town festivals on 24-25 July and 14-15 August, when the staircase is beautifully illuminated with hundreds of candles.
In the heart of the historic town centre stands the Ceramics Museum, which offers insight into how this craft was born, developed and passed down in Caltagirone. Inside, a route is laid out across seven rooms displaying a rich collection of artefacts and finds created in different eras and from different materials. From prehistory to the present day, you can admire the evolution of working techniques over the centuries and how artisanal excellence emerged.
Right next to the Ceramics Museum is the Villa Comunale, also known as Villa Vittorio Emanuele, a beautiful English-style garden designed in the mid-19th century by architect Filippo Basile. It boasts an entrance in Liberty style providing access to tree-lined avenues decorated with various flowers and fountains.
Considered an oasis of peace and tranquillity right in the town centre, this garden also showcases the use of ceramics in ornamental fountains, various statues and numerous decorations. At the centre of the green space stands the Music Pavilion, designed by Salvatore Montalto in Moorish style.
Also in the heart of the town is the Cathedral of San Giuliano, originally built during the Norman period and remarkably never destroyed by the various earthquakes that struck, before finally being rebuilt in the 19th century. The church we see today is the result of construction work carried out during the Bourbon era, which saw the realisation of a basilica with a Latin cross plan divided into three naves by rows of pillars.
Inside there is a cycle of scenes from the Old and New Testament by Giuseppe Vaccaro, a wooden statue of the dead Christ and relics of Blessed Lucia of Caltagirone. Outside, the attention is drawn to the imposing dome clad in ceramics and the bell tower standing 48 metres high.
Caltagirone has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, thanks partly to the availability of excellent accommodation and services. In the centre of Caltagirone there are hotels housed in historic palaces that combine the charm of antiquity with the hospitality and convenience of being close to main attractions. Another option is to stay in an agriturismo or a B&B located among the surrounding hills, allowing you to experience both the tranquillity and the hospitality of the Sicilian countryside.
Caltagirone is easily reached by car and also by public transport thanks to a railway station and several bus routes. From Catania you can reach Caltagirone by car in roughly an hour via the SS 417 to the Caltagirone South exit, whilst from Siracusa it takes ninety minutes via the SS124. Caltagirone is connected to the nearby towns of Gela and Piazza Armerina by the State Road 117 bis. For those travelling from Palermo, you can take the A19 motorway towards Catania and then follow the SS 117 bis to reach Caltagirone in less than three hours.
For those wishing to travel by public transport, the railway station offers connections to Catania and Gela. Alternatively, public transport bus services are available from local companies such as SAIS Autolinee, Etna Trasporti, Azienda Siciliana Trasporti and others, connecting Caltagirone to nearby towns and major regional destinations.
What's the weather at Caltagirone? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Caltagirone for the next few days.
Caltagirone sits in the heart of Sicily, surrounded by rolling green hills and olive groves, in a central location that makes it an ideal base for exploring the island's treasures. Caltagirone is 57 km from Ragusa, 100 km from Syracuse and 192 km from the regional capital, Palermo.
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