Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte is a monumental staircase in Caltagirone, Sicily, linking Piazza Municipio with the Church of Santa Maria del Monte above. Its 142 steps have ceramic tiles on their risers, each flight contributing to a striking pattern of hand-painted colour. Climb as far as you like for views over the town and surrounding countryside, then look inside the bright church or browse the ceramic workshops and shops beside the stairs. Flower displays and lanterns transform the staircase during local festivals.
A staircase linking the old and upper town
The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte connects Piazza Municipio with the Church of Santa Maria del Monte in the upper part of Caltagirone. It was built in 1606 to link the older part of the town with a newer district. The structure is more than 130 metres long.
The staircase was first conceived as a steep road, then developed into flights interrupted by small squares. In 1844, the flights were joined into one continuous ramp of 142 steps. This layout gives the climb a changing rhythm: short landings break up the ascent as the route passes between old palazzi and ceramic workshops.
Ceramic decoration on all 142 steps
The ceramic decoration is on the upright face of each step, while the treads are made of grey lava stone. Caltagirone artisans added the majolica tiles in the 1950s. Each step has its own set of hand-painted tiles, with designs drawn from Sicilian ceramic themes. Together, the risers form a long sequence of colour across the staircase.
The work was carried out by the Caltagirone School of Art, directed by Professor Antonino Ragona. Ceramic objects such as ornate vases and fountains also featured in the town’s Baroque rebuilding. Here, the craft is part of the route itself: you can pause on the landings to look closely at the tile patterns before continuing uphill.
Festival displays and the church above
The staircase is also a setting for local celebrations. During Scala Infiorita, held in May or June, potted flowers are arranged across the 142 steps in decorative patterns. The display honours Madonna di Condomini. Her celebration, known as a Rusedda, takes place on 31 May and includes a procession of decorated Sicilian carts and tractors through the streets.
On 24 and 25 July, Caltagirone celebrates its patron saint, San Giacomo. Lanterns illuminate the steps for the feast, and the route becomes part of the celebrations. Crowds gather for the events, so take care with your belongings if you visit at these busy times.
At the top, the Church of Santa Maria del Monte is a natural stop before you take in the view over Caltagirone and the surrounding countryside. The church is also noted for its bright interior. On the way up or down, the adjoining ceramic shops offer a closer look at the local craft beyond the tiles on the stairs.
Perguntas frequentes
How many steps does the staircase have?
It has 142 steps, with ceramic tiles decorating the risers.
Where does the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte lead?
It links Piazza Municipio with the Church of Santa Maria del Monte in Caltagirone’s upper town.
When are the flower displays on the staircase?
Scala Infiorita takes place in May or June, with potted flowers arranged across the steps.
When are the staircase’s St. James celebrations?
Caltagirone celebrates San Giacomo on 24 and 25 July, when lanterns illuminate the staircase.
