Last Updated on 16 July 2024
Introduction
Caltabellotta is a beautiful little town of less than 4,000 inhabitants, nearly 1,000 meters above sea level.
The origins of the name derive from the Arabic “Qal ‘at ballutt” which means rock of the oaks, while the Greeks called it “Triocala” or “Three beautiful things” in reference to the spring waters, the fertility of the soil and the impregnable cliff on the which the country arose.
What to see in Caltabellotta
The village has retained that medieval spirit that can be found in its urban fabric. It is therefore recommended to wander through the streets of the center, discovering its alleys, small churches and an ancient Roman tower . In the northern part of Caltabellotta you will find the main monuments and panoramic points , which make this place truly unique, even if still little known.
Topsecretsicily tip: You can book a nice guided tour of Caltabellotta with tasting of local products, including oil derived from the native olive, “La Buscionetta.”
The ruins of the Norman castle
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Absolutely not to be missed are the remains of the Norman castle , built over an ancient Arab fortress, which was for a long time the residence of the noble Luna family during the Spanish era. From here the view of Caltabellotta, the mountains and the sea is truly fantastic .
The cathedral and the sacrificial altar
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The panoramic cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta was also built by the Normans (in honor of the victory over the Saracens, which took place precisely in this place) in the 11th century and is located in a beautiful naturalistic context . In fact, it lies in a high and peripheral area surrounded by meadows, trees and rocks. This had actually been a place of worship already for other peoples, such as for example the Greeks. Not far from the cathedral there are still the remains of a Greek sacrificial altar, dedicated to the god Kronos. This place is truly impressive, the altar is well preserved and is located right on top of the cliff, with a suggestive view of the surrounding mountains .
Sican Necropolis
The Sicans were one of the first peoples together with Sicilians and Elymians to settle in Sicily. For them the cult of the dead was so important that they dug funeral cells inside the rocksand, often remaining suspended in the void, supported only by rudimentary ropes. Sicily is rich in these necropolises and even in Caltabellotta you will find several , such as the one in via Roma, before entering the town.
San Pellegrino Monastery and the Dragon Cave
The Monastery is on top of a mountain set inside the rock and is really located in a wonderful and panoramic position, a fairytale place . It was built around 1600/1700 on an old Norman building, which in turn took the place of an Arab fort even earlier. Nearby are also 2 overlapping caves, in which, according to legend, lived a dragon that fed on the children of Caltabellotta until it was killed by San Pellegrino.
Church of St. Augustine
The church of S. Agostino was built in the fourteenth century and although it is not as fascinating as perhaps other buildings in Caltabellotta, but from here you will have a magnificent view over the town.
Rock Church of the Pieta and Church of the Carmine
The church of the Pietà dates back to the Byzantine period and is partly carved into the rock. Really very charming and original with a beautiful view over the town.
Ruins of the church of St. Benedict – The Panorama
Almost nothing remains of the ancient church of San Benedetto, except for a few walls. However, this place deserves a visit because of the beautiful view from here on the monastery of San Pellegrino and Caltabellotta.
Top Secret Council: Via San Pellegrino
Via San Pellegrino is located behind the Monastery of San Pellegrino and proceeds to the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta. It is about 10 minutes on foot totally immersed in nature, between headlands, trees and views of the surrounding mountains . Absolutely not to be missed for nature lovers.
Where to eat in Caltabellotta
A very original place with typical local products is the Mattes restaurant. It is an old oil mill restored in a very original way. The prices are low and the food is fresh and delicious.
Where to sleep in Caltabellotta
The Bed and Breakfast Sotto le Stelle is very nice, original, well furnished and with a nice terrace where you can have breakfast. It is a historic building from the 1700s in the center of the town, which has been carefully restored. In the interactive map below you will find more information, photos and reviews from other customers.
Interactive map of Caltabellotta – Points of interest in purple
To locate yourself once in the area, click on the enlarge symbol at the top right of the map.
Typical products of Caltabellotta
The typical products of Caltabellotta are olive oil produced since ancient times, honey, cheeses, wine and ricotta sweets.
Extra virgin olive oil, Biancolilla of Caltabellotta: Very valuable oil produced since ancient times, whose characteristics are strongly linked to the geographical position and climate of the place.
Pasta with sardines: A very popular dish in Sicily, but here it is created with slightly different ingredients. It is prepared especially on the occasion of the feast of St. Joseph.
The froscia: This is a dish that you find especially in the central western areas of Sicily. It is prepared especially for Easter and Christmas and is a kind of tortilla made with eggs, grated cheese, ricotta, milk, fried asparagus, salt, pepper and lemon balm.
Other typical products they are cheeses, honey, wine and ricotta sweets.
Here you find the typical products of the province of Agrigento of which Caltabellotta is part.
Here instead i typical Sicilian dishes.
Most popular activities for tourists in Sicily
What to see around Caltabellotta
Caltabellotta is part of the province of Agrigento, here you will find listed the places to visit ad Agrigento and surroundings .
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