Caltabellotta: between history and myth


What to see, things to do, what to eat, interesting facts

Caltabellotta

State: AG - Area: Agrigento surroundings

Caltabellotta stands in a unique position suspended under Mount Kratas and boasts one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sicily.
Myths and legends accompany its history: it was one of the capitals of the Sicani people and home to the mythological Camico, a fortress city built from the Greek architect Dedalo.
The name "Caltabellotta" derives from the Arabic "Qal 'at ballutt" which means fortress of the oaks. The Greeks called it "Triocala" or "Three beautiful things" in reference to the spring waters, the fertility of the soil and the cliff on which the town stands.
The ancient heart is Terravecchia, winding streets and medieval corners; from Calvary you can see the sea in the distance, the Hermitage is the place where San Pellegrino killed the Dragon making Caltabellotta the "village of Peace".
Caltabellotta is the kingdom of extra virgin olive oil.
Caltabellotta has preserved a medieval urban fabric and preserves beauty and traditions ancient.
Caltabellotta is the kingdom of extra virgin olive oil.

What is the best time to visit Caltabellotta?

Caltabellotta can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you. But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Caltabellotta during the year.

If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.

What to see in Caltabellotta

Events

Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show, Concerts,... Caltabellotta


What to eat in Caltabellotta

Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Caltabellotta

You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as cannoli, Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc. But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.

Interesting and Fun Facts

Interesting and fun facts, mythology, legend, folk tales and more to know about Caltabellotta

Legend of San Pellegrino and the Dragon
The legend of San Pellegrino and the Dragon tells the story of the Saint's arrival in Caltabellotta and how he drove out paganism with his courageous deeds.

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The Passion or the Lamentation of Caltabellotta
The author of the eight terracotta statues of the Caltabellotta "Passion" is not known: there are many hypotheses about his identity.

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The Miracle of the Rain in Caltabellotta
According to popular tradition, in 1957 in Caltabellotta, after a period of great drought, the miracle of rain occurred.

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The castle of Caltabellotta and Boccaccio's Decameron
The Castle of Caltabellotta is mentioned in one of the tithes of Boccaccio's Decameron.

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Jewish Tombstone in Caltabellotta
In Caltabellotta, walled into the facade of a building, there is a Jewish Sepulchral Plaque dating back to the 15th century.

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Caltabellotta, the ancient Camico
According to some scholars Caltabellotta rises on the site of the mythical Kamico, capital of the kingdom of Cocalo.

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Places of "Seduced and abandoned" - Caltabellotta
Some scenes of the film "Seduced and abandoned" were shot in the village of Caltabellotta.

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Places of "Il Siciliano" - Caltabellotta
Some scenes of the film "The Sicilian" were shot in the village of Caltabellotta.

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The peace of Caltabellotta
In the Castle of Count Luna in Caltabellotta, on April 19, 1302 the famous "Peace of Caltabellotta" was signed between Frederick II and Charles of Valois.

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