Caltagirone
Caltagirone, a picturesque town near Catania, is famous all over the world for its amazing ceramics that reflect a thousand-year history: the high quality clay present in this area has allowed this particular type of craftsmanship to develop over time, which still today it represents one of the most important sectors of the local economy.
We will be happy to take you through the narrow streets of this village to discover a lots of beautiful shops where you can buy a souvenir or simply taste the famous “cassata siciliana” or the delicious “chiacchere” in one of the city’s exquisite bars.
The history of Caltagirone dates back to the pre-Hellenistic period while the name which is of Arab origin – “Qal’at al Ghiran” (“Fortress of Vases”) – perfectly summarizes both the historical and today’s vocation of this land.
The most important place of the city is “The staircase of Santa Maria del Monte”, 142 steps entirely inlaid with local ceramics and which on the 24th and 25th of July are decorated with lights that give life to an ever-changing design.
We also advice you to visit:
The church of “San Giuliano” which became a cathedral in 1816 and which has been rebuilt and embellished many times following the earthquakes of 1542 and 1693.
“The Regional Museum of Ceramics” which shows the history of the “material” for which Caltagirone has become famous in the world and which finds its most important expression in the colorful “Maioliche” tiles and in the famous “Teste di Moro” that have been adorning buildings and Sicilian balconies for centuries.
“The Nativity Scene Museum”, a collection made up of over 2500 specimens from all continents which, in addition to creating a cultural heritage for the community, allows the traveler to “find himself in his homeland”.
