Caltagirone is a small town in Sicily in the province of Catania, 70 km from the city of Catania. Caltagirone is one of the eight towns in the Val di Noto region that have been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site for their unique "Sicilian Baroque" architecture.
Among the interesting sights of Caltagirone, it is worth noting the Pottery Museum, established in 1965, which contains a collection of ancient and modern earthenware and ceramic dishes, including those from the era of Ancient Greece. No less interesting are the religious buildings of Caltagirone, such as the Norman church of St. Julian, on the facade of which Saverio Gulli worked. The baroque church of San Francesco di Paolo is notable for its sacristy, built in the Gothic style before the 1693 earthquake that destroyed the city. The Temple of the New Capuchins was built of stone in the 12th century, and the church of San Francesco d'Assisi in 1236. The latter was restored in the Baroque style. Its facade is decorated with maritime symbols. Finally, the late 16th century Gesù church stands out with eight statues of saints and a Madonna mounted on the façade, and inside you can see the Pieta painting by Filippo Paladino and the Nativity of Christ by Polidor da Caravaggio. Another significant building of the city is the Palazzo Senatrio, built in the 15th century and served as the City Hall.
But, perhaps, the majestic Santa Maria del Monte staircase with 142 steps, built in 1608, can be called the main attraction of Caltagirone.