If you didn't know about Sicily's ceramic tradition, you will after you've visited here. Caltagirone is all about the artistic craft and has been practiced here for over 1000 years. If you do come, make sure you have a bit of extra space in your bag to fill with souvenirs. You’ll need it!

Caltagirone has been inhabited since pre historic times but the name most likely derives from the Arab time of occupation and the word qal'at-al-ghiran or hill of vases. Thanks to these vases, or ceramics, and its baroque churches, Caltagirone is a UNESCO Heritage Site.

The Arab, Byzantine and Norman empires controlled this section of Sicily for about two thousand years.

How to get to Caltagirone

Caltagirone lies in the south west interior, 64km south west of Catania and 34km north east of Gela. It is part of the province of Catania. It is about 30km from Piazza Armerina. Caltagirone is serviced by buses and trains. Bus companies operating here include Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (AST), SAIS Autolinee and Etna Trasporti.

Things to do and see in Caltagirone

Caltagirone's most famous sight is La Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte featuring 142 steps literally encrusted with ceramic designs, each individually hand crafted. Understandably it is also one of Sicily’s most photographed sights, so make sure you have room on your memory card when you visit. You can wander up or down the staircase visiting ceramic workshops and buy gifts to fill your suitcase or just watch the artists at work. It is also interesting to note that while the staircase dates back to the 17th Century the ceramic tiles were only added in the 1950s. There are plenty of other ceramic workshops and factories through town. You could also visit the Museo Regionale della Ceramica to learn more about them.

Most people come here just for La Scala and the ceramics, however if you do want to take a look around there are a number of churches and buildings constructed mostly in Baroque style. Some places worth checking out include the Cathedral of St Julian which is of Norman origin, the Church of the Gesu for the eight statues in the facade, the 12th Century Santa Maria del Monte church and the white stone of the Renaissance Church of the New Capuchins.

The time to visit Caltagirone is during the annual Illuminata. This is held on July 24 and 25 to mark the feast day of the city's patron saint, St James. During that time the staircase is illuminated with candles and coloured paper lamps.

Accommodation and restaurants in Caltagirone

Caltagirone has a selection of hotels and b&bs. The most sought after places are near or even on the stairs themselves. There are plenty of good eating places, again the ones on the stairs, such as Pizzeria La Scala, are probably the most atmospheric.

* Photos by Hen Magonza

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