Christmas Nativity Scenes in Caltagirone
From 1 December to Epiphany, a trail through churches and old-town venues in Sicily's town of ceramics and nativity figurine makers
By Salvatore Giuliano Published Updated
The story
In Caltagirone, the nativity scene is above all a matter of clay. Documents show that nativity figurines were already being modeled in the town in the Middle Ages, but not a single piece from that era survives: the earthquake of 1693 flattened much of the town. True artistic production took shape in the 18th century, when the most skilled potters began hand-modeling freestanding, painted terracotta figures inspired by country trades, such as the shepherd, the hunter and the cheese maker. The craftsmen who made them were known locally as "santari" or "pasturari".
The great leap forward came between the late 18th and the 19th century with the workshop of Giacomo Bongiovanni, opened in 1794, and his nephew Giuseppe Vaccaro. The Bongiovanni-Vaccaro workshop carried Caltagirone's figurine makers into collections across Europe, with farmers, fishermen and cobblers portrayed with striking realism. One of their groups bears an inscription recording an award at the 1862 International Exhibition in London.
Today the tradition comes alive every December on the "I presepi di Caltagirone" trail, run by the Amici del Favo association. In churches, museums and halls across the old town, including San Giorgio, Santissimo Salvatore, San Domenico and Sant'Agata, it shows Sicilian, Baroque and miniature nativity scenes, along with nativities made of bread, salt and origami, a 100,000-piece nativity and a diorama museum. In recent years the trail has been open from 1 December to 7 January, and the rest of the year visits are by appointment.
Schedule
- The "I presepi di Caltagirone" nativity trail opens in churches and exhibition spaces across the old town
- Last day of the Christmas nativity trail
The official schedule for 2026 has not been published yet, so the dates shown are provisional. We will update this page as soon as the calendar is announced.
What to eat
At Christmas, Caltagirone keeps alive the tradition of the muffuletta, a soft, round bread made for the holidays.
In the 2025-26 season, the Christmas markets were set up in front of the Cathedral of San Giuliano and in Piazza Umberto, a natural stop between one nativity scene and the next.
Local tips
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Parking
The old town sits on a hill, with narrow streets and flights of steps: it's best to leave the car outside the center and walk between the stops on the trail.
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Payments
The Amici del Favo trail charges admission, with combined tickets and group discounts in recent seasons. Prices and opening hours for 2026-27 have not been published yet, so check the official website before you go.
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Crowds and timing
The trail stays open for more than a month: to see the nativity scenes at a relaxed pace, pick a weekday rather than a public holiday if you can.
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What to wear
The town lies about 600 meters above sea level and December evenings are cold: dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for the slopes and steps. In churches, dress as you would for any place of worship.
Weather forecast
Data: Open-Meteo
Getting there
The nativity scenes are spread around the old town and best explored on foot. The nearest airport is Comiso, about 45 km away; from Catania Fontanarossa it's about 66 km along the SS 417 Catania-Gela road.
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Frequently asked questions
When can you see the Caltagirone nativity scenes?
In recent seasons the Christmas trail has been open from 1 December to 7 January; the official program for 2026-27 has not been released yet. The rest of the year the nativity scenes can be visited on request by contacting the Amici del Favo association.
Who runs the nativity trail?
The "I presepi di Caltagirone" trail is run by the Amici del Favo association, which publishes the program and contact details on ipresepidicaltagirone.it.
Why is Caltagirone famous for nativity scenes?
Because it is Sicily's ceramics town: terracotta gave rise to the figurinai, craftsmen who since the 18th century have hand-modeled and painted nativity figurines, most famously in the Bongiovanni-Vaccaro workshop.
Is it free to visit?
The association's trail charges admission, with combined tickets and group discounts in recent seasons. Prices for 2026-27 have not been published yet.
