Introduction

The excellent quality of clay in the region where Caltagirone sits has provided it with excellent raw material to make ceramics and has made the town famed for it. Caltagirone has produced beautiful pieces of ceramics for over 1000 years. At first terracotta was the material used, until the Arabs seized town and introduced clay in its production. They brought to town the many colours to use in their creations, especially Caltagirone ‘s distinctive colours yellow and blue. Caltagirone’s name comes from the Arab words castle and cave.
After the earthquake in the 17th century that destructed it, Caltagirone took a new flavour with its reconstruction in the baroque style. Majolica started to be composed with more liberal motifs.
In the 20th century ceramics was given a fresh new start with the inauguration of the School of Ceramics.

What to See and Do

The tourist information office is located on Via Duomo close to Piazza Duomo. Its website and staff are very resourceful.
The busy upper part of Caltagirone has baroque buildings and churches that should be visited. The steps leading from Piazza del Municipio to Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte, called Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte are tiled with hand painted mosaics which vary in their motifs. On the Scalinata ceramics shops sell their production which you can see at the very moment it is made. The typical terracotta crib figurines are displayed throughout December to celebrate Christmas. On the steps the feast of Saint James Caltagirone s’ patron saint is celebrated on 24th and 25th July with over 4000 oil lamps lighting the scalinata and a procession ascending the steps towards the Chiesa de Santa Maria del Monte.
Museo Regionale della Ceramica also in the upper part houses pieces telling the history of ceramics from prehistory till today.
Shopping focuses on the big industry of Caltagirone mostly on the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte and Piazza Umberto I.

Where to Eat and Drink

On Via Vespri La Piazzetta is the place focusing on regional cuisine which it prepares wonderfully.
Do not judge Non Solo Vino on Via Vittorio Emanuele by appearances for its cuisine and wine is simple but good.
On the scalinata among ceramics shops is La Scala. Sit here and relish fresh pasta and local wine.
Il Palazzo dei Marchesi di Santa Barbara (Via Bonaventura) is housed in a palazzo. It serves good food and its service is helpful. Desserts are delightful.

How to Get to/around/away

BY BUS: from Enna (length: 1 ½ hours, services 3 a day Mon–Sat, only 1 a day on Sun), from Palermo(length: 3 hours, services: 2 a day from Mon-Sat, only 1 a day on Sun), from Syracuse (length: 3 hours, services: 1 a day from Mon-Fri), from Piazza Armerina (length: 1 hour, services: 8 a day from Mon-Sat, only 1 on Sun).
BY TRAIN: from Gela (length: 40 minutes, services: 9 a day), from Catania (length: 1 ¾ hours, services: 10 a day).