In short: The Scala di Santa Maria del Monte is a monumental outdoor staircase with 142 steps in the centre of Caltagirone, each riser decorated with hand-painted majolica ceramic tiles. It links the lower and upper town and is the landmark of this ceramics city (UNESCO World Heritage site, Val di Noto). Freely accessible; plan on 30–60 minutes – the climb is strenuous.
Quick Facts
- Type: monumental staircase with 142 majolica-decorated steps
- Location: centre of Caltagirone (Province of Catania), inland Sicily
- Duration: approx. 30–60 minutes (with ceramics shops)
- Admission: free (public urban space)
- Without a car: doable – train/bus from Catania; the staircase itself is on foot only
- Yearly highlights: the “La Scala Illuminata” festival of lights (24–25 July), the “Infiorata” flower carpet (May/June) – check dates
Who Is This Visit For?
| Target group | Well suited | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Crafts & ceramics | majolica steps, workshops and shops all around | hot and crowded in high summer |
| Culture & photography | UNESCO town, a unique staircase motif | the background to the motifs only comes alive with explanation |
| Families | freely walkable public space | 142 steps – not accessible, strenuous |
| Without a car | reachable by train/bus from Catania | inland location, check connections in advance |
What You’ll See
- 142 majolica steps – each riser is decorated with hand-painted ceramic tiles in Sicilian motifs (from the 10th to the 20th century, in various styles).
- Ceramics shops & workshops – along and around the staircase; Caltagirone lives from its ceramics tradition.
- Church of Santa Maria del Monte – at the top of the staircase, the town’s former mother church.
- City views – from the climb and from the top, over the rooftops of the old town.
History
The staircase was built in 1606 to connect the lower old town with the higher upper town and the Church of Santa Maria del Monte; it is over 130 metres long. It originally ran as several offset ramps; in 1844 these were unified into today’s 142 continuous steps.
The continuous ceramic cladding of the risers dates from 1954; the decorations show Sicilian motifs from the 10th to the 20th century in Arab, Norman, Hohenstaufen, Spanish, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Caltagirone has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto” since 2002. Two festivals shape the staircase: the “La Scala Illuminata” festival of lights on 24–25 July in honour of the town’s patron saint, San Giacomo, and the “Infiorata” flower carpet in spring.
Planning Your Visit & Getting There
Caltagirone lies in inland Sicily and is reachable by car as well as by regional train and bus from Catania (journey time roughly 1–1.5 hours – check current timetables and prices before travelling). The staircase itself is public urban space and freely accessible; the climb of 142 steps is strenuous – sturdy footwear and, in summer, drinking water are recommended. The visit combines well with the Caltagirone Ceramics Museum; an overview of the region is given by our Province of Catania hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps does the staircase of Caltagirone have?
The Scala di Santa Maria del Monte has 142 steps. Each riser is decorated with hand-painted majolica ceramic tiles in Sicilian motifs from the 10th to the 20th century.
Does visiting the staircase cost admission?
No. The staircase is public urban space and freely accessible at any time.
When does the “La Scala Illuminata” festival of lights take place?
Traditionally on 24 and 25 July in honour of the town’s patron saint, San Giacomo, when thousands of oil lamps form a lit image on the steps. Check the exact date officially each year.
How do you get from Catania to Caltagirone?
By regional train or direct bus from Catania (journey time roughly 1–1.5 hours) or by car. Check current timetables and prices before travelling.
Discover the Val di Noto & the Ceramics City
We combine Caltagirone with Piazza Armerina, Ragusa, Modica and Noto into a coherent route through south-eastern Sicily and book the accommodation. Just send us a no-obligation travel request.
Opening Hours & Admission
The Scala di Santa Maria del Monte is public urban space: freely accessible at all times, no admission charge. The festival dates (Scala Illuminata 24–25 July; Infiorata May/June) vary each year – please check dates and programme with the Comune di Caltagirone or the official tourism portals. As of: June 2026.
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