Caltagirone – The Sicilian capital of Ceramics
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Located about 50 minutes north of Ragusa and 45 minutes inland from Catania, Caltagirone is a great place to visit.
Old Town
As in much of Sicily the town bears witness to the many civilizations that have ruled over the years: Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish. As you walk up the hill into the old town the faded baroque glory quickly becomes apparent. Largely destroyed in 1693 by a devastating earthquake Caltagirone now clings to the hill in a rabbit warren of back streets which open up onto piazzas.
The town is rightly famous for the impressive steps (La Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte). 142 steps decorated with ceramics. The best time of year to visit is in May when the steps are decorated in beautiful floral displays. In July and August, the town is illuminated with thousands of candles for the annual “Illuminata” in honour of the local patron saint, San Giacomo.
See our villas in Sicily here
One of the main reasons people head to Caltagirone is to visit the countless ceramic shops. The brightly coloured designs are a feast for the eyes and you can pick up almost anything from simple plates, bottle tops to the most ornate Testa di Moro, one of the classic symbols of Sicily.
The two shops we enjoyed the most were Maurizio Cataldo and Le Maioliche di Gesualdo Bauccio
Caltagirone offers the visitor the chance to combine a day wandering backstreets and shopping. We had a delicious lunch stop in the Piazza del Municipio at Bar Escalier
Ian and Jo visited Caltagirone October 2024
All Photographs @Essential Italy
