Sure, I love gold and diamonds – most girls do, but honestly
the sight of Italian ceramics also sets my heart a-flutter. Everywhere in
Italy, you will find opportunities to buy gorgeous handmade ceramics. There are even
entire towns whose main business is - Ceramics! One of the BEST is Caltagirone
in Sicily.
(Photo Credit: Swide)
The baroque town of Caltagirone is located 43 miles
southwest of the city of Catania and its notoriety for pottery production
predates history. Its name, in fact, reflects this as it is derived from the Arabic "qal'at-al-jarar"
or "Castle of (pottery) jars." If, like me, you love Italian ceramics,
this is a town not to miss on your trip to Sicily.
Step
into historic Caltagirone and ceramics are visible all around you – in the architecture,
on the balustrades, decorating buildings and vases. The most famous landmark of
all is the 142-step "Scalinata del Santa Maria del Monte" - Staircase of Santa
Maria del Monte built in the early 17th century. The staircase
climbs from Piazza Municipio to the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Monte at the
top of the town.
(Photo Credit: Swide)
Each
step of the Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte is decorated with different
hand-decorated ceramic tiles created in different styles by different artists and
added in 1956. We’re talking thousands of beautiful handmade tiles! They alternate between a
row of tiles with floral or organic patterns, a row of geometric patterns and a
row of figurative decorative patterns. Start at the bottom and take your time on the climb up for two
reasons. One, checking out each step’s artwork is fun and, 2) the climb up is
exhausting, so no need to hurry!
Fear
not, there are opportunities to rest along the way because as you walk up the many steps, you
will pass some of the town’s 150+ ceramic shops at each side of the stairway.
Some ceramic artists even take custom orders. Stop in – browse – and buy. You’ll
find colorful and unique plates, vases, pots and more. But remember, your purchases must by carried the rest of the way up the stairs.
While in Caltagirone, you may choose to visit the local ceramics museum or watch ceramic work in production. Locals and artists are eager to share information about their art.
If you're
fortunate enough to be in Caltagirone from the 8th of May to June 2nd,
you'll enjoy "La Scala Infiorata," - the Flower Festival. The festival is a
tribute to Our Lady of Conadomini. Locals decorate the Staircase of
Santa Maria del Monte with thousands of potted plants arranged in beautiful designs
that stretch from top to bottom of the staircase.
If you happen to be in Caltagirone on July 24/25 or August 14/15, you’re in for
a special treat - "La Scala Illuminata," - the Luminaria Festival.
This is the annual "Festa di San Giacomo" – Feast of St. James. Thousands of
candles create a breathtaking design of lights from top to bottom on the stairs.
"The Taking of the
Bell of Altavilla" ceramic mural in the square of Santa Maria
del Monte
Click HERE for more cool pix of the stairs.
Ciao!
- Nina Spitzer
If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog,
go to
http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/
- Nina Spitzer
If you are receiving this post by email and would like to read other archived posts on my blog,
go to
http://www.acappuccinominute.blogspot.com/
