Less populated and quieter than other centres, Caltanissetta is often passed through with little more than a cursory glance. Many tourists use it more as a transit point than as a destination. However there are a few sights that you could stop off to see and it would be a good base for visiting other places in the region.

How to get to Caltanissetta

Caltanissetta is one of Sicily's inland provinces. The town, and capital of the province, is located almost dead centre in the middle of Sicily in a region of rolling hills dotted with small towns. The nearest major towns include Enna (20 km) and Agrigento (53 km). Caltanissetta is serviced by trains and buses. The train line that runs between Agrigento and Catania passes through here and is a good way of accessing smaller towns in the region. Bus lines that pass through Caltanissetta include SAIS Autolinee. SCAT is the local urban bus.

Things to do and see in Caltanissetta

While there might not be a huge number of sights in the city itself, it could be a good base to visit other places in the region that are of particular interest such as Mafia famous Corleone, the wonderful woods of Ficuzza, the famed piazza in Palazzo Adriano or the hilltop town of Sant'Angelo Muxaro.

Sights in Caltanissetta include the Museo Archaeologico that contains finds from digs in the area that date from prehistoric times. There are a number of fine churches including the Cathedral, the church of St Agatha and of San Domenico. Actually it's worth noting that Caltanissetta's cathedral, Santa Maria la Nova, is of late-Renaissance design, one of the few in the country that aren't Baroque. If you have tired of the Baroque style you may well enjoy the change. Inside are Flemish frescoes.

If you would like to see more local art then go to the Palazzo Vescovile for the Museum of Sacred Art. Another notable monument in Caltanissetta is the ruins of Castello di Pietrarossa. In English the name means red stone castle and indeed it was built with red bricks. Originally of Arab origins it was enlarged by the Normans but then destroyed by an earthquake in 1567. Caltanissetta's main square is Piazza Garibaldi, named after the man who united Italy.

The Festival of the City of Caltanissetta is a showcase for young musical talent and takes place every year in late January or early February. It has been celebrated for 20 years now.

Accommodation and restaurants in Caltanissetta

If you have decided to stay in Caltanissetta there are good places to stay near the centre of town, close to the train and bus stations. Hotel Giulia comes recommended and also has a good restaurant Ristorante Archetto.

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