staircase of santa maria del monte (la scala)

This was such a religious experience and wonderful , wouldn't have missed this at all. Liked the religious aspect of this. Most of the Duomos ( churches)'in Sicily are so religious, it brings you back to times long ago!!

La Scala is a beautiful sight and lots of lovely little shops and cafes on the streets that lead off it

Great sight to see if you are passing through this area of Sicily. Lots of shops along the staircase to take home a memorable souvenir home from.

A good uphill hike but worth it. The Cathedrale was closed. Most seem to close for the afternoons anyway. A quant town.

The staircase is the main magnet point in Caltegirone and it is especially beautiful in nighttime when hundreds of small lights make your impression deeper and lighter, literally speaking. The view from the top, as well as the view from the bottom of the La Scala, both are breathtaking, but in different ways.

The staircase was breathtaking!! 142 stairs all made of ceramic tiles. I had seen pictures of it adorned with flowers during holidays and festivals but to see it in person was a thrill.

Caltagirone is where you go for ceramics. Many great shops and galleries. We had a snack down the street at the Baby Bar which is also a gelataria. After that walked up the street to the base of the stairway. Yes, that would be one hell of a climb which we did do. Great spots for photos that look like post cards

A unique feature and punctuated by ceramic shops along the way and a spectacular view at the top - shame that the church there was closed, and not in the best shape...

This appears to be the main attraction in Caltagirone (other than the ceramics), but is really just a lot of steps. The views are ok from the top, but not amazing. There are pictures of the steps being dressed so that from afar it appears to have a picture on it. Not when we were there though. It was ok.

not for faint of heart or people with disabilities. lots of nice shops for ceramics... very difficult to find, only small cars!!!

From the top TA just another stair case. Visit church at foot of steps with interesting and quirky collection of nativity cribs from around the world. Interesting town with lovely architecture and atmosphere but not touristy.

The risers of the steps are all decorated with primitive tiles. Look OK on the long way up, but nothing to see on the way down...But that's OK. The rest of this town is really unloved; nice but poorly kept buildings, noisy traffic, the town square full of old men - really, not one woman! Dog poo on the pavements and a huge disapointment.

There are probably only 2 reason you come to Caltagirone; to see the Scala/Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, and to buy locally made ceramics.However be warned that driving to the base of the staircase is not for the faint-hearted. The roads are narrow and it's uphill all the way, and you have to watch out for the locals who treat the streets like a Monza circuit.We found it easy to park very close to the base of the stairs and were rewarded with a view with few tourists around. Because it was so hot we didn't climb to the top so don't know how many steps there are, but each of the steps is adorned with painted ceramic tiles.We found large ceramic showroom close by and were able to pick up some souvenirs at good prices.

remarkable staircase, particularly attractive at night. Caught a fiesta whilst I was there and that made it special. Definitely one to see - and climb.

An amazingly large staircase with ceramic shops along the sides. Plenty of shops to visit but you must climb hundreds of steps to get to them.