May in Sicily: the edition of Scala Infiorata in Caltagirone

In this photo, there is the famous staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, in Caltagirone, a place that is really worth a visit. But there is a moment of the year when this particular place become even more special: we are talking about the 2017 edition of the Scala infiorata, from May 1^st to June 4^th.

The staircase

The staircase of Santa Maria del Monte was built in 1606. Its purpose was to link the old part of Caltagirone with the new town built at the top of the hill. 130 meters long, it is a real spectacle for the thousands of multi-coloured ceramic tiles that decorate it.

In this real scenery, every year, the Scala Infiorata takes place. For a month, the Santa Maria del Monte staircase will be enriched by pots with multi-coloured plants. Pots, plants and flowers that will form a single big design, visible from Piazza Municipio and from Via Principe Amedeo.

The side events

In addition to Scala Infiorata, during the days of the event there will be several side events, such as music, exhibitions, outdoor performances and pottery workshops.

Caltagirone

Now, after the Scala Infiorata, it is time to visit Caltagirone, quaint and charming town not far from Catania. In addition to the aforementioned staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, the other places to see are:

• The old town centre;
• Via Roma;
• The cathedral;
• The ceramic;
• The monumental cemetery;
• The archaeological site of Sant’Ippolito;
• The archaeological site of San Mauro.

How to get there

Caltagirone is easy to reach from Catania (one of the main port where ferries to Sicily dock):

• Take the state highway 192;
• Follow the road signs to Gela/Caltagirone and take the state highway 417;
• Follow the road signs to Caltagirone/Santa Maria di Ganzaria;
• Take the state highway 124 and follow the road signs to Caltagirone.

The journey by car takes about one hour.

Further information

For further information about the 2017 edition of Scala Infiorata in Caltagirone (complete program, any changes), you can visit Caltagirone municipality official website, Caltagirone.ct.it.

Image source: Di Nessun autore leggibile automaticamente. Gmelfi presunto (secondo quanto affermano i diritti d’autore). – Nessuna fonte leggibile automaticamente. Presunta opera propria (secondo quanto affermano i diritti d’autore). Pubblico dominio, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=307955