The Ceramic Staircase in Caltagirone, Sicily, is one of the city's most famous sights and an impressive example of the long tradition of ceramic art in this region. Caltagirone, a city in the province of Catania, has been known for centuries for its ceramic production, which dates back to ancient times. The city was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, along with other towns of the " Val di Noto ".

History of the Staircase

The "Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte" (Stairs of Santa Maria del Monte) was built in 1608 to connect the old town with the higher church of Santa Maria del Monte. The staircase consists of 142 steps and is about 130 meters long in total.

In the 20th century, the steps were decorated with hand-painted majolica tiles, representing the ceramic art of Caltagirone and creating a unique artistic work.

design of the stairs

Each step of the staircase is decorated with its own pattern inspired by traditional Sicilian motifs, including geometric shapes, flowers, animals and historical scenes.

These tiles come in bright colors like blue, yellow and green and reflect the vibrant and rich culture of Sicily.

events and festivals

The stairs are not only a tourist attraction but also the venue for various events, especially during the summer months.

Particularly well-known is the festival in honor of Saint James ( Festa di San Giacomo ), the patron saint of the city.

Every year on July 24th and 25th, the staircase is decorated with thousands of candles (so-called " luminarie "), which are artfully arranged in patterns so that the entire staircase shines in a fascinating light.

The ceramic staircase in Caltagirone is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also a symbol of the cultural identity and artisanal heritage of this region of Sicily.