Free walking tours in Caltagirone and what to see

Must-sees

Caltagirone stands on three hills inland in the province of Catania and is one of the eight baroque towns of the Val di Noto listed as a World Heritage Site. Its hallmark is ceramics: the Santa Maria del Monte staircase, from 1606, climbs 142 steps faced with hand-painted tiles, each with motifs from a different period. At the top is the church of Santa Maria del Monte, and in the upper town the cathedral of San Giuliano, of Norman origin.

Ceramics also appear on the San Francesco bridge, in the public gardens and on the façades of several palazzi. The Regional Ceramics Museum brings together some 2,500 pieces made in Sicily from prehistory to the 20th century. The streets are lined with workshops where you can watch potters at work and buy pieces such as the Moor's head vases, and the Tondo Vecchio viewpoint looks out over the rooftops.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Caltagirone. On Civitatis the option is a visit with tasting at a local winery, to get to know the wines of this part of Sicily. Some ceramics workshops run modelling or decorating courses, a hands-on way to get closer to the craft.

How long to spend

In a day you can see the staircase, the upper town, the museum and the workshops without rushing. If you add the winery tasting or a trip to nearby nature, such as the Santo Pietro woods, allow two days. Caltagirone fits well into a route through the baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily.

Where to stay

The nicest choice is to stay in the upper town, near the staircase, where there are B&Bs in old houses and everything is within walking distance, although with slopes. The newer part, to the south-east, has places to stay where parking is easier. The surrounding countryside has quiet agriturismi, convenient if you travel by car.