Sicilian cities are truly beautiful and fascinating. Another part of it is Caltanissetta, situated among gentle hills, in a picturesque valley, it is truly a gem of the island. A charming town worth visiting not only for hiking, but certainly for Holy Week, because you will not experience this holiday celebrated anywhere else like in Caltanissetta. The monuments are admirable and the city’s history is intriguing.
This charming area is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, historical monuments and a rich cultural heritage that will delight visitors from all over the world.
For centuries, sulfur contributed to the city’s prosperity. At the beginning of the 19th century, as much as four fifths of the world’s output of this raw material was mined here, and of course Caltanissetta was also its largest exporter. Only when the Americans got wind of the business and started opening mines in other parts of the world, the boom ended and all mines and mining-related plants were closed. The city lies on a vast plateau and is the largest center of the island’s interior. The history of the entire island was as complicated as that. First the Greeks, then longer and shorter periods of rule by subsequent lords. A great idea to get to know Caltanissetta is, of course, a walk through its narrow streets.
Garibaldi Square
Garibaldi Square: In the center of this beautiful square there is the Triton Fountain and the Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova, the Church of San Sebastiano and the Palazzo del Carmine, seat of the town hall. Triton’s Fountain: The statue represents Triton, who in Greek mythology is the son of the sea god Poseidon. Initially located inside Palazzo Carmine, in 1956 it was moved to the center of the square, replacing the old iron lantern.
Strata ‘a foglia market in Caltanissetta:
Visit the ancient market of Strata ‘a Foglia in Caltanissetta From 1882, which was located first in Piazza Mercato Grazia, and then in via Consultore Benitendi, parallel to Viale Conte Testasecca and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. From 7 a.m. this street comes alive with colors, smells, tastes, voices, community, stories, many products of the land put up for sale. Like Vucciria and Ballarò in Palermo. A market worth visiting and immersing yourself in this pleasant place dialect.
Monuments:
- Pietrarossa Castle
The Castle of Pietrarossa (‘Red Stone Castle’), built using, as its name suggests, largely red stones, dominates the city and the whole Salso River valley from the edge of the ravine upon which it stands. The originsa castle remain unknown. It is presumed to have been built in the 9th century. The castle is towering over the whole valley of the river Salso.The view that you can admire from this castle is spectacular although today the castle is in a state of disrepair. So be very careful when visiting.
- Caltanissetta Cathedral
Santa Maria La Nova Cathedral is a well preserved example of late renaissance architecture, located in the heart of the old town centre.The cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova is truly beautiful, one of the most magnificent in Sicily. Unlike most cathedrals in Sicily built in Baroque style, this cathedral presence a late renaissance aesthetic. Situated in the heart of the historic centre of the city, in Piazza Garibaldi, it faces the 16th century church of San Sebastiano. This cathedral dominates the square for its grandeur and with its two bell towers.
- Moncada Palace
Palace Moncada is an 18th-century palace that houses the Michele Tripisciano museum with works by the Nysa artist, who also created the Triton Fountain in Piazza Garibaldi. The palace remained unfinished (see left side in the photo) because the owner was driven from the island after participating in an anti-Spanish conspiracy.
- Abbazia di Santo Spirito
A beautiful church in Caltanissetta located in Via di Santo Spirito is the Abbey of Santo Spirito, dating back to the Arab-Norman period, it represents one of the oldest churches in the area. The building is massive with a rectangular plan and characterized by the presence of a corner tower. The interior of the church is characterized by a large baptismal font, a 15th century crucifix, painted on wood, and late 15th century frescoes: Christ Blessing, The Study of Saint Augustine and The Mass of Saint Gregory.
- Church of St. Agatha
The Church of St. Agatha at College with its poly-chromatic marble was built between 1600 and 1610, in late-Renaissance style, on the site of a previous church, which had also been dedicated to St. Agatha. It has a Greek cross plant, with splendid Baroque decorations including frescoes (18th century). The work on the adjacent Jesuit College began in 1589 and were completed in the second half of the 19th century.
- Church of San Domenico
The church of San Domenico is located in the oldest district of Caltanissetta. Its foundation date is thought to be around the middle of 1400, when the Moncada, noble family of Aragonese origin, among the wealthiest families in Sicily, reigned over the city.
Originally the church was chosen by the Moncada as the site of their burial. Despite its central location in the old town, the church had a privileged role, but the cathedral remained the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, located not far from the Castle. The widening in front of the church of San Domenico was, in fact, the central square. The facade dates back to 18th century, when the church was restored in Baroque style. The bell tower too dates back to the period of the building renovations.
R.N.O. Monte Capodarso E Valle Dell’Imera Meridionale:
Museums in Caltanissetta:
- Archaeological Museum
The museum presents the history of ancient settlements in the urban and rural areas of Caltanissetta and other centers in the province, from prehistory to late antiquity.Bronze finds, especially ceramics, from the settlements of Sabucina and Dessueri are noteworthy. There are also artifacts from the Polizzzello site that are fundamental to understanding indigenous Iron Age cultures.
The museum also presents part of the archaeological collection of Capodarso, an object that, although belonging to the province of Enna, is geographically and historically linked to this part of Sicily’s territory. Five sectors, supplemented with new educational aids illustrating the history of the places from which the exhibited monuments come from, interactive telematics tools facilitating the exploration of the collections, as well as a path intended for blind and visually impaired users.
- Sulfur Museum
Euro Park Roccella:
Euro Park Roccella, a renowned water park located in San Cataldo. With its extensive range of attractions and facilities, Euro Park Roccella guarantees a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The park offers a variety of thrilling water slides, a refreshing swimming pool, and numerous deck chairs and umbrellas for relaxation. In the park boasts a team of attentive lifeguards to ensure the well-being of all guests. Additionally, Euro Park Roccella features a lively bar, a delightful pizza restaurant, and an exciting animation team that offers entertainment throughout the day.
Interesting Fact:
Every year during Easter, on Good Friday, a large, colorful procession is organized in Caltanissetta, with all the Stations of the Cross displayed.
