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Visit Caltabellotta
Caltabellotta, in the Agrigento district of western Sicily, is set on Mount "Kratas", south of the Sicanian Mountains in an almost impregnable position, characterized by three peaks: "Monte Pellegrino”, “Monte Castello” and the “Gogala” cliff.
The original medieval town occupies the top of the mountain, while the successive expansions and modifications, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, occupy the slopes below. The oldest part of town, called "Terravecchia", is located around the Mother Church, dominated by the ruins of the fortress of Castelvecchio.
Caltabellotta Cathedral, built by Count Roger in the Norman period after the victory over the Muslims, has three naves supported by sturdy pillars; the main portal, and the top part of the structure of the interior date back to the thirteenth century. The church houses a few statues like the "Madonna della Catena," by Giacomo Gagini (1517-1598), St. Benedict, of the School of the Gagini, and the “Madonna and Child” by Fazio Gagini [1520-1567] (son of Antonello). The chapel of “Santa Maria della Catena” is decorated with stucco and frescoes by Antonino Ferraro da Giuliana [16th century; Ferraro was one of the most important wood carvers of the sixteenth century, special in religious works , and with a strong realism].
On the left side of the church there is the bell tower, consisting of a square tower, while north of the church are the ruins of the so-called "Castelvecchio", of uncertainty origin.
Behind the Cathedral rise the remains of the castle of Arab origin, probably dating from the second half of the 11th centuryn and subsequently modified by the Normans. It was in the castle of Caltabellota that in 1302 the famous Treaty of Caltabellotta was signed, between Frederick II of Aragon (1272-1337) and Charles of Valois (1270-1325), which ended the War of the Vespers.
Further down the hill stands the church of St. Augustine, built in the first half of the 14th century. It houses a large group of polychrome terracotta of the “Deposition” by Antonino Ferraro. The artistic journey can continue with a visit to the rocky church of Santa Maria della Pietà, dating back to the Byzantine period, and the church of San Francesco, which belonged to the Capuchin monastery. Inside worthy of mention is the altarpiece by Fra’ Felice da Sambuca (Gioacchino Viscosi, 1734-1805) depicting the “Madonna and Child.”
Of particular note also is the Carmine Church (16th century), which houses a statue by Antonello Gagini (1478-1536) depicting the "Madonna delle Grazie," and a marble statue representing the "Mater Lactans", by Fazio Gagini. On the top is also located the Hermitage of San Pellegrino who, according to a local folk-tale, is considered to be the first Bishop of the ancient Triokala.
Next there is the church dedicated to the same saint, dating from the 17th century, carved into the rock, in the interior of which stands a statue of Baroque style depicting the patron saint.
Places nearby and Caltabellotta activities
A few kilometers from Caltabellotta is the village of St. Anna, founded in the 17th century by Francis Alliata, Prince of Villafranca, and probably the site of the ancient city of "Triokala."
Undoubtedly Caltabellotta is located in a natural habitat that has few comparisons and a very wide variety of landscapes, where we go from the citrus groves of the coast to the natural environments that characterize the mountain area, rich in almond trees.
In this regard, it is very usual in the area to see the utilization of almonds for the preparation of dishes such as the so-called "froscia" a dish made with eggs, bread and grated cheese, cottage cheese, milk, fried asparagus , salt, pepper and other herbs. In addition to the excellent bread seasoned with the typical olive oil of the area, we suggest to try one of the most traditional dishes of the area, called "Patate a sfinciuni", a small cake made with potatoes, eggs, bread crumbs and black pepper.
See also Caltabellotta history and etymology.