Caltagirone
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Latest page update: 31 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The charming, historic town of Caltagirone is situated in central Sicily within the Metropolitan City of Catania province. With a population of 35,000 it's famous for its ceramics and pottery.
Caltagirone's historic centre is adorned with colorful ceramic decorations, staircases, and buildings, showcasing the town's rich artistic heritage which visitors flock to Caltagirone to admire. |
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Caltagirone: UNESCO city of Baroque and ceramics
Caltagirone, known as the "City of Ceramics," is a vibrant town in Sicily renowned for its intricate pottery and stunning architecture. Visitors are greeted by the grand staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, adorned with colorful ceramic tiles, leading to the historic center.
Explore the picturesque streets lined with artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen continue the centuries-old tradition of ceramic production. Admire the ornate facades of churches and palaces, such as the baroque Cathedral of San Giuliano. Don't miss the Regional Museum of Ceramics, showcasing a vast collection of historic pottery. Caltagirone's artistic charm and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination.
Explore the picturesque streets lined with artisan workshops, where skilled craftsmen continue the centuries-old tradition of ceramic production. Admire the ornate facades of churches and palaces, such as the baroque Cathedral of San Giuliano. Don't miss the Regional Museum of Ceramics, showcasing a vast collection of historic pottery. Caltagirone's artistic charm and cultural heritage make it a must-visit destination.
Comune di Caltagirone
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Province: Metropolitan City of Catania
Region: Sicily Population: 35,628 (in 2024- source) Elevation: 608 metres Close by: Vizzini, Militello in Val di Catania, Piazza Armerina Recommended accommodation: Palazzo dei Vespri |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Year: 2002
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Year: 2002
What are the most popular activities in Caltagirone and the local area?
- Caltagirone's Staircase: Marvel at the renowned "Scala di Santa Maria del Monte," a grand staircase adorned with vibrant ceramic tiles, depicting intricate designs and patterns. Climb the 142 steps to reach the Church of Santa Maria del Monte at the top, offering panoramic views of the city.
- Ceramics Workshops: Visit local ceramics workshops and studios to witness the traditional craft of pottery-making, where skilled artisans create exquisite hand-painted ceramics using age-old techniques. You can also purchase unique ceramic souvenirs to take home.
- Cathedral of San Giuliano: Explore the Cathedral of San Giuliano, a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque architecture, featuring a majestic facade, ornate interiors adorned with marble, stuccoes, and beautiful frescoes.
- Regional Archaeological Museum: Discover the rich history of Caltagirone and its surroundings at the Regional Archaeological Museum, housing an impressive collection of artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, and archaeological finds from various periods.
- Historic Centre: Wander through the charming streets of Caltagirone's historic center, lined with elegant Baroque buildings, picturesque squares, and quaint boutiques selling local crafts and delicacies.
- Palazzo Senatorio: Admire the Palazzo Senatorio, a historic palace dating back to the 14th century, featuring a stunning facade adorned with ornate balconies and a majestic clock tower overlooking the city.
- Villa Romana del Casale: Take a day trip to the nearby Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman mosaics, depicting scenes of daily life, mythology, and hunting.
What are the best restaurants in Caltagirone and the local area?
- Trattoria La Vecchia Stazione: Located in the heart of Caltagirone, Trattoria La Vecchia Stazione offers traditional Sicilian cuisine in a charming setting. The restaurant is housed in a historic building that was once a railway station, adding to its unique atmosphere. Diners can enjoy dishes like homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and grilled meats, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
- Ristorante Pizzeria da Franco: Situated just steps away from the famous staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, Ristorante Pizzeria da Franco is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas cooked to perfection, as well as a variety of pasta dishes, seafood, and meat entrees. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy dining room or outdoors on the terrace overlooking the city.
- Antica Locanda del Golf: Nestled in the countryside just outside of Caltagirone, Antica Locanda del Golf offers a tranquil setting for enjoying Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant's menu features a mix of traditional and innovative dishes, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Diners can savor their meal in the elegant dining room or outdoors on the terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views.
- Trattoria La Terrazza: With its prime location overlooking the city, Trattoria La Terrazza offers stunning views and delicious Sicilian fare. The restaurant's menu highlights regional specialties such as arancini, caponata, and swordfish, as well as homemade pasta dishes and grilled meats. Guests can dine al fresco on the terrace or indoors in the cozy dining room, both offering picturesque vistas of Caltagirone.
- Ristorante Pizzeria Il Girasole: Situated in the historic center of Caltagirone, Ristorante Pizzeria Il Girasole is a family-friendly eatery known for its friendly service and tasty food. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring pizza, pasta, salads, and seafood dishes, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal in the casual dining room or outdoors on the terrace, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Caltagirone Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Caltagirone?
- Hotel Villa Sturzo: Hotel Villa Sturzo is located in Caltagirone's historic center. This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the town, and a restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine.
- B&B Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo: B&B Tre Metri Sopra il Cielo provides cozy accommodations in a historic building in Caltagirone. Guests can stay in beautifully decorated rooms, enjoy a homemade breakfast, and explore the town's famous ceramics workshops.
- Agriturismo Gigliotto: Agriturismo Gigliotto is situated just outside Caltagirone in the Sicilian countryside. This agriturismo offers rustic-chic accommodations, homemade meals made with local ingredients, and the opportunity to relax amidst olive groves and vineyards.
- Hotel Villa Riolo: Hotel Villa Riolo is set in a historic villa in Caltagirone's old town. Guests can stay in elegant rooms, relax in the garden courtyard, and enjoy a continental breakfast each morning.
- Agriturismo Tenuta Cammarana: Agriturismo Tenuta Cammarana is located near Caltagirone, offering tranquil accommodations in a rural setting. Guests can stay in rooms or apartments, taste homemade products, and enjoy hiking or cycling in the surrounding countryside.
What's the closest airport to Caltagirone?
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA):
Located approximately 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) southeast of Caltagirone, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 210 kilometers (about 130 miles) northwest of Caltagirone, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Located approximately 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) southeast of Caltagirone, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 210 kilometers (about 130 miles) northwest of Caltagirone, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
What's the closest train station to Caltagirone?
Caltagirone Train Station
- Located in Caltagirone town centre
What private transfer options are there for Caltagirone?
A private transfer from Catania Airport to Caltagirone takes around one hour.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Where can I rent a car to visit Caltagirone?
