Tripology Travel Experts Blog: Caltagirone

Caltagirone--city of ceramics and presepi in Sicily

Midway between Syracusa and Agrigrento in Sicily lies Caltagirone and a 1000 year tradition of hand-painted ceramiche.

Built—of course—on a hilltop, Caltagirone has wonderful views of the rolling landscape. Hand painted tiles and ceramiche greet you at every turn of the head.

Climb the 142 steps to the top of the city. Each step comprises scores of hand painted tiles honoring the city’s history. The views—and the painted steps along the way—are worth the modest exertion. At the top, I popped into a shop to buy an adorable hand painted ceramic cat (gatti figurines are everywhere in Sicily) and chatted with the husband of the artist/owner. He invited me downstairs to watch his wife and two other artists at work, painstakingly creating ornate scenes on large and small pieces.

I commented to a fellow traveler that on my next visit to Caltagirone, I would bring an empty suitcase and more money. She seriously replied that she would be bringing an empty cargo container.

Caltagirone is also famous for its presepi.

Presepi are the village scenes that depict the Nativity. A presepo can be as simple as a manger scene or as complex as the entire village of Nazareth, replete with houses, craftsmen, and animals. The ceramic presepi figures of Caltagirone are renowned, and there is even a museum to presepi figures across the centuries. Hence Caltagirone’s nickname as ‘la citta di presepi’.

If you appreciate ancient traditions, art, and culture, Caltagirone is a must-experience. The experts at Celebrate-Travel, Inc can design an itinerary for you to efficiently include this village in your sightseeing.

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