The Calatino, a historical region of southern Sicily centered on Caltagirone, is little known to international tourism compared to the coastal towns or the Baroque sites of the Val di Noto. Nevertheless, it holds definite appeal for visitors seeking authenticity, traditional craftsmanship, historical heritage and rural landscapes. The region is more often visited by local or regional tourism and offers quiet experiences, far from mass tourist flows.

The Calatino includes the following main municipalities: Caltagirone, Grammichele, Mineo, Vizzini, Licodia Eubea, Mirabella Imbaccari, San Michele di Ganzaria, Mazzarrone and San Cono. This hilly territory, situated between the Erei mountains to the north and the first Iblean hills to the south, alternates between agricultural landscapes, wooded hills and historic villages.

At the heart of the region, Caltagirone is the cultural and economic center. The town is renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship, with workshops, shops and the Istituto d’Arte per la Ceramica. Its most famous monument is the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, a staircase of 142 steps decorated with colorful majolicas. The Museo Regionale della Ceramica traces the history of this tradition from the Arab era to the present day.

Map of The Calatino Show interactive map
Map of the Calatino with the towns, villages and sites

  • Road between Vizzini and Mineo
    Road between Vizzini and Mineo
  • Palikè site
    Palikè site
  • Palikè site
    Palikè site
  • Road between Vizzini and Mineo
    Road between Vizzini and Mineo

The surrounding villages each possess a unique heritage:

  • Grammichele, founded after the 1693 earthquake, is famous for its hexagonal square and original urban plan.
    The territory has a rich archaeological heritage. The nearby Occhiolà Archaeological Park covers 30 hectares and preserves medieval ruins, as well as remains of the Greek city of Echetla and several protohistoric necropolises.
  • Mineo, an ancient Greek city (Menai), preserves a medieval and Baroque center with the Chiesa Madre di San Pietro, the Castello Ducezio and several noble houses.
  • Vizzini, on the southeastern border, is known for the Parco Letterario Giovanni Verga and the Casa Verga, which pay tribute to the Sicilian writer.
  • Licodia Eubea and Mirabella Imbaccari offer medieval remains and rock sanctuaries.
  • Mazzarrone is renowned for the IGP Uva di Mazzarrone grape, the agricultural emblem of the Calatino.

Information

External sites

Articles in the Calatino category