Things to do in Mazzarrone Italy – what to see attractions and activities

The origins of the Library of Caltagirone date back to the 16th century when the Jesuit Fathers established the library archive located in the College. But in 1767, when they left the city, the library was transferred to the University of Catania. After so many protests it was decided to establish a library that was based in Caltagirone and only in 1785, the Regio Spiaccio made official the opening of the new library. An important collection of volumes was donated by Prince Niccolò Interlandi who in this way enriched the library's offer.

The Public Garden of Caltagirone was built during the nineteenth century by the engineer Luigi Spagna and subsequently expanded by Michele Fragapane and modified by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. It is due to the latter the construction of the Music stage and the numerous consolidation works. The complex consists of three main parts among which the parterre and the large panoramic terrace stand out.

The Regional Museum of Ceramics was inaugurated in 1965 and collects about 2500 finds of ceramics made in Sicily since prehistory. The museum site is divided into six sections and provides an educational service with the use of multimedia and audiovisual devices.

The Sicilian Pupi Exhibition originates from the animator Don Gaetano Russo who with the Compagnia dei Pupi performed since 1981 in Caltagirone. About fifty pupi belonging to the Catania school are exhibited, distinguished by those from Palermo for their size and for the different handling techniques. The exhibition is also enriched by the exhibition of cart keys and historical texts.

The Civic Museum and the Art Gallery “L. Sturzo” were established in 1914 at the headquarters of the eighteenth-century Bourbon Prison. A first collection was made by the scientist and humanist Emanuele Taranto Rosso through the Cabinet of Archaeology and Natural History, established in 1843. The Art Gallery presents artistic works before the 16th century and among all stands out the canvas “Jesus in the vegetable garden” by Epifanio Rossi.

The Staircase Santa Maria del Monte di Caltagirone was built in 1606 with the intent of connecting the ancient part of the city with the new upper part. The structure is over 130 meters long and since 1954 has been presenting decorations in the elevations of the steps and ceramic tiles by the Caltagironesi Artisanal Majolica. The staircase is illuminated during 24 and 25 July for the feast of St. James, patron saint of the city.

The Castle of Caltagirone is located in the present ancient part of the homonymous city and was most likely built around the 12th-13th century. In fact, from documents dating back to 1239, the fortress is defined as the state property that is included in the number of castra exempta. Unfortunately, in 1256, the structure was damaged by the Manfredi and only the tower remained of the Castle. We proceeded to the construction of a room and a room annexed to the tower itself, but unfortunately, from documents dating back to the twentieth century, it is evident that only a few remains remain of the Castle.

The Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art was founded in 1996 with the intent to welcome the donation of the collection of works by the well-known artist Gianni Ballarò at the behest of his wife Carmela Pasqualino. Added to this an anthological exhibition of the contemporary works of the Civic Museums of Caltagirone.