Caltagirone,
The name Caltagirone derives
from the Arab term Qalat-Jerun, that means "Castle of the burial grounds" because of the presence of
vast necropolises throughout the territory. It was inhabited since
pre-historical times, as attested by the presence of two necropolis dating from
the II millennium BC and by numerous
other archaeological findings. Later, it was inhabited by the Siculi a pre-Roman
population.
The city has been long
famous for the production of pottery and terra-cotta wares and at present the
local handicraft activity is relevant, producing beautiful artistic ceramics.
A collection of ancient and modern pottery and
terra-cotta, dating back to the Greek period, is visible in the local
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The main
landmark of the city is the 142-step monumental Staircase of Santa Maria
del Monte, built in 1608 in
the old part of the town. The peculiarity is that each step is decorated
with different hand-decorated ceramics, using styles and figures derived
from the millennial tradition of pottery making. Once a year, on and
around the 25 July (day of the city's patron saint, Saint James) the
staircase is illuminated with candles of different colors. |
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On your way to Caltagirone you should not miss
Piazza Armerina a Medieval city,
..and the Villa del Casale with its splendid roman mosaics,
..and Morgantina,
and Castello Cresti
