Caltanissetta Travel Guide

Nestled in seven natural reserves of Sicily, the city of Caltanissetta will carry you a journey of rediscovery of nature and naturalness.

Various and different cultures have left evidence of their passage: Greeks, Arabs and Bourbons.

Marina di Butera, Falconara Desusino have quite pristine beaches, quiet and wild. The strong and indomitable heat of Sicily is summarized here.

The streets of Caltanissetta, photo by Jos Diesis via Flickr

1. Best things to do in Caltanissetta

The Cathedral of Caltanissetta is located in Piazza Garibaldi. It is dedicated to Santa Maria, and it was built between 1570 and 1622. It has a Latin cross divided into three naves, finely decorated with stucco restored in 2002.

Really amazing the Achilliane baths, located in Piazza Duomo, one of the most interesting buildings from Roman times. You enter through a stairway on the right side of the main facade, through an underground corridor that divides the Roman structures from the foundations of the Cathedral.

In the vaults there are visible splendid frescoes and stucco, a second Duomo "basement". Do not even miss the Easter period, in which real float with images of the martyrdom of Christ and the Resurrection are carried in procession.

Gela is one of the oldest cities in Sicily and is rich in monuments and historical sites. The coast is characterized by different environments, sometimes clashing with each other. Green Guide, Sicily — The beach of Gela (Sicily). Photo by orientalizing via Flickr

2. Gela and surroundings

The province of Caltanissetta will amaze you with a hilly landscape rich in natural reserves, archaeological sites, castles, churches and baroque palaces. Mazarin, the Robbe Milena, the Museum of Zolfara Montedoro are some of the tourist attractions more typical of this province.

In the south the town of Gela lies, as the second largest city by population that gives entire province its name.

It is one of the oldest cities of Sicily and the first settlements date back to the fifth millennium. C.

In Capo Soprano you can observe the Greek architecture of Gela and sandstone used in large blocks and clay bricks, still perfectly preserved. A Gela you can also admire the oldest roman bath in Italy: Hellenistic bath.

Butera is on a 402 meters hill, as a stronghold of the Saracens. Be fascinated by its castle with a tower that stands in defense of cisterns to collect water.

A popular legend tells of an endless underground passage that connected the castle of Butera to that of Falconara. In fact no one has ever found a trace of this step and to reach the second castle you'll have to use the road more classic... The Castle of Falconara awaits imperious overlooking the sea, with its crashing before our eyes and the lush nature that around us: crystal clear water and fine sand framed by rich forests of pine and eucalyptus.

The nature reserve Biviere Gela is a regional nature reserve of Sicily, established in 1997. The Biviere Gela is the largest coastal lake of Sicily and is one of the most important staging and wintering areas for many species of migratory birds. The birds, represented by more than 200 species, is therefore the most important element of the nature reserve. Green guide, Sicily — The Natural Reserve Biviere Gela (Sicily). Photo by Vincenzo Di Dio, via Flickr

3. Nature, sport and green itineraries

The coast in the nearby of Butera is little wrought by mass tourism but protected and untouched.

The most important natural reserve is the one of Biviere of Gela. Currently in the custody of the Lipu, the reserve is home to a coastal lake milestone on the journey of several species of migratory birds. Hoopoes, kingfishers, hawks and buzzards: a walk in this "sea" of green is a must. If you are lucky you will get acquainted with porcupines, foxes, weasels and especially herons.

The recipe for almond nougat is typical of Sicily. In the heart of Sicily, in Caltanissetta, the pastry chefs continue the tradition of Caltanissetta with the production of Cubaita, the classic Sicilian nougat. Combining green pistachio, honey yellow and white of the almonds that embodies the flavors typical of this land, mixed with warm, vibrant colors that characterize his personality. Green guide, Sicily — Almond nougat. Photo by Stefano Mortella via Flickr

4. Tastes and local food

Our mind goes straight to the most valuable asset that dwells on the tables: the wine. Butera for example, is an area where it is produced excellent wine: Nero d'Avola, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the autochthonous Riesi, an exceptional DOC of Caltanissetta.

The variety of dishes in Sicily is the effect of the different cultures that have followed over time.

A poor cuisine that has the typical habit of having just one course. So then we will find dishes such as pasta ''ncaciata" with cauliflower and sausage, pasta "ccu mazzareddi" with very bitter vegetables, topped with the sauce or ricotta or “frascatula” soup made with wild fennel and celery.

Enjoy the chicken cooked with cheese, and the typical large roll of meat stuffed with ham, cheese and eggs called "falsomagro". The nisseni (the inhabitants of the province are so called) are crazy about the “panelle”: these fritters with chickpea flour, water and salt can be eaten with bread as an alternative sandwich.

The pastry of Caltanissetta is refined and sophisticated.

Last but not least, remember the production of nougat, which in Caltanissetta derives from the Arabic tradition. Local products such as local nougat almonds, pistachios and honey are used to make this spectacular sweet.

5. Where to stay in the city and surroundings

Discover all ecofriendly accommodations in the province of Caltanissetta, from organic farms, the small B & B set in the villages of pastel Sicilian villages.

Discover all ecofriendly accomodations in Caltanissetta and surroundings

Author: Angela Sebastianelli

Cover photo by: jttlui, via Flickr