Caltagirone: UNESCO Old Town and Ceramic Culture

Caltagirone offers several distinct cultural and historical highlights to consider when planning a trip. The entire old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”. Ceramics, museums, sacred art and events on the Scala each add a different dimension—from historic production and contemporary collections to an event staged anew each year.

Ceramics between the history of the island and a local focus

Terracotta production in Caltagirone dates back to the 10th century BC. Using objects from across Sicily, the Museo regionale della ceramica di Caltagirone explores the island’s historic ceramic production from prehistory to the beginning of the 20th century, with a particular focus on pieces from Caltagirone. This combination is important for understanding the collection: it offers an island-wide perspective while also giving special prominence to local ceramics.

Museums, art and city history

The MACC offers a different perspective on the timeline. It was founded in 1996 after the artist Gianni Ballarò’s works were donated by Carmela Pasqualino, and is housed in the Ospedale delle Donne beside the ancient church of San Giorgio. The MACC displays contemporary art collections acquired from the National Ceramic Exhibitions organized by the Comune di Caltagirone since 1980. While the Museo regionale covers historic ceramics up to the beginning of the 20th century, the MACC collections give contemporary art a focus of its own.

The city’s history and sacred art also have specific points of interest. The former Bourbon prison, which houses the Caltagirone City Museum, was built between 1782 and 1798. The church of San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata contains a large majolica panel by Antonio Ragona depicting the Nativity with Saint Francis. A building from the late 18th century and a named work of sacred art thus sit alongside the museum and ceramics themes.

Scala Infiorata and Scala Illuminata

The Scala Infiorata is created each year between May and June as a tribute to the Madonna di Conadomini, the city’s patron saint. Thousands of pots of plants and flowers in different shades of color form a large, ever-changing composition each year on the monumental Scala Santa Maria del Monte. The timing and design are tied to the city’s patron saint.

The Scala Illuminata takes place on July 24 and 25 and August 14 and 15. The occasions therefore differ considerably when choosing a travel period: the Scala Infiorata falls between May and June, while the Scala Illuminata takes place on four dates in July and August. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates before booking.

Giardino Pubblico: a green highlight

The Giardino Pubblico provides a scenic counterpoint to the museums and historic buildings. It is a green oasis in the heart of the city, covering 10 hectares. Its avenues of holm oaks, lindens, pines and cypresses define the park. With its area and tree-lined avenues, it offers a specific point of reference for Caltagirone’s green side, set against the city’s cultural and historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Montargano, Calcerana-Marina, Aci Trezza, Santa Maria Di Licodia, Misterbianco, San Gregorio Di Catania, Tremestieri Etneo, Carruba

For the overview of the wider area: Catania.