Calascibetta, the village overlooking the Val di Noto

Recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy,” Calascibetta is a Sicilian village located on the borders of the Val di Noto.

This village has greatly benefited from its position, being equidistant from the three seas that surround Sicily.

The historic core of the village preserves its medieval layout and boasts Norman origins linked to Roger of Hauteville, who gave the town its first urban structure.

What to see in Calascibetta

A visit to the village of Calascibetta is a true journey through centuries of history.

This journey begins in the Byzantine village of Canalotto, with cave dwellings, cisterns, and two rock-hewn churches, examples of late Roman-Byzantine community life. Continuing on, the necropolis of Realmese (9th–6th century BC) reveals 288 chamber tombs and valuable archaeological finds. The evocative Caves of Via Carcere, once a medieval prison, were mentioned by Goethe for their panoramic location.

In the heart of the village, Piazza San Pietro hosts the Norman Tower and the magnificent Mother Church – Royal Palatine Chapel (1340), with Catalan-Aragonese bas-reliefs. Not to be missed is the Capuchin Convent (1589) with Paladini’s Adoration of the Magi and the Church of San Domenico, today an Orthodox parish. Finally, in Piazza Umberto I, among trees and marble fountains, you can admire the Municipal Villa with the Venus of Sicily and the Church of Maria SS. del Monte Carmelo (1771), which houses Gagini’s Annunciation and symbolizes the agricultural solidarity of the past.

Events, culture, and traditions

The village of Calascibetta lives all year round with religious and folkloric traditions. In March–April, Palm Sunday features a procession with a child on a donkey and the twelve Apostles, followed by the reenactment of the finding of Jesus; at Easter, the highlight is ’u ncuntru between the Risen Christ and the Virgin Mary.

In May, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel combines celebrations and a procession with spectacular fireworks. In August, three days of festivities honor Saint Peter the Apostle with music and illuminations. In September, the Sausage Festival takes place alongside the Feast of Maria SS. del Buonriposo and the millenary Palio dei Berberi. In December, the Living Nativity transforms a rocky area into Bethlehem, with ancient crafts, scents, and flavors of the past.

What to see around Calascibetta

In the surroundings of Calascibetta, just a few minutes’ drive away, lies Enna, known for the Castle of Lombardia and the Tower of Frederick II, which offer spectacular views of Sicilian mountains and valleys.

Another noteworthy attraction is Lake Pergusa, set within a nature reserve and steeped in ancient legends such as that of Persephone.

A little further away, Aidone welcomes visitors with the remains of the ancient Greek city of Morgantina and the museum that houses the famous Venus. From there, you can reach Piazza Armerina, renowned for the Villa Romana del Casale and its mosaics. To the north, the roads lead to the Madonie Park, with medieval villages such as Gangi and Petralia Soprana, while to the west lies Caltanissetta, rich in Baroque art and medieval heritage.

Visit this village and let us know what you think in your stories.

Cover photo credits: Ronenvief