Caltanissetta​

Latest page update: 14 March 2025
By: Dion Protani
The city of Caltanissetta is the capital city of the Province of Caltanissetta with a population of 61,064 inhabitants.

Standing at an elevation of 568 metres above sea level, it covers a total area of 421 km² and lies 136 kilometres south east of Palermo, the regional capital of Sicily.

Caltanissetta occupies a position among seemingly endless rolling hills. It's the most populous of Sicily's inland towns and one of the highest provincial capitals in Italy in terms of elevation. 
The main sights in Caltanissetta revolve around Piazza Garibaldi. This central square is home to the magnificent Cathedral on one side and another beautiful church on the other, the Chiesa di San Sebastiano. The cultural hub of the city lies between Piazza Garibaldi and Corso Umberto I, the main street with its wide walkway and street side cafes and restaurants.
Related links
Caltanissetta • Sicily • Historic Provincial Capital
Caltanissetta is a city located in the heart of Sicily, in the central part of the island. It sits among the rolling hills of the interior, offering a distinctive landscape of mountains and valleys. Known as the "City of Salt," Caltanissetta's history has been shaped by its salt mining industry, and this legacy can still be seen in the town's architecture and local culture. The city centre is characterised by traditional Sicilian buildings, churches, and narrow streets, giving it a charming, authentic atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the town's historical sites, including the impressive Church of San Michele, the Caltanissetta Cathedral, and the Castello di Pietrarossa, which offers stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Caltanissetta's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the island, with easy access to nearby natural reserves and hiking areas. The town is also known for its vibrant local markets and traditional Sicilian cuisine, including local specialties that reflect its agricultural heritage.

Nearby, the town of Enna offers panoramic views from its hilltop position and is home to ancient ruins and a medieval castle. To the south, the archaeological site of Morgantina provides a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek Sicily. To the west, the historic city of Agrigento is famous for the Valley of the Temples, with its spectacular ancient Greek ruins. Additionally, the nearby town of Caltagirone is renowned for its traditional ceramic production and beautiful baroque architecture.​
Highlights and nearby attractions
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria La Nova: A stunning example of Norman architecture, the cathedral features beautiful frescoes and intricate details.
  • Palazzo Moncada: This historic palace showcases the aristocratic life during the 18th and 19th centuries and now serves as the Town Hall.
  • Castello di Pietrarossa: A medieval castle located on a hill overlooking the town, offering panoramic views of Caltanissetta and the surrounding countryside.
  • Church of San Sebastiano: An impressive Baroque church with a beautiful façade and ornate interior decorations.
  • Garibaldi Theatre: A charming theater built in the 19th century, hosting various cultural events and performances.
  • Farm Cultural Park: An innovative art space featuring contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events.
  • Sulfur Mines: Explore the historical sulfur mines in the area, which played a significant role in the town's development.
  • Local Cuisine: Caltanissetta is known for its culinary delights, including traditional Sicilian dishes and delicious pastries.
Comune di Caltanissetta
Province: Caltanissetta​

Region: Sicily

Population: 58,342 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 421 km²

​Elevation: 568 metres

Highlights: Piazza Garibaldi, Cathedral, Chiesa di San Sebastiano

​Close by: Pietraperzia, Enna, Castello Manfredonico, Agrigento
My recommended accommodation options for Caltanissetta:
  • Hotel Villa San Michele is a 4-star hotel located just a short distance from the centre of Caltanissetta, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The hotel features modern rooms with elegant décor, a restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine, and an outdoor pool. Its location provides a tranquil environment, while still being within a short drive from the town’s historical attractions, such as the Caltanissetta Cathedral. Price Guide: €€€€ (High-end).
  • Hotel Plaza is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Caltanissetta, within walking distance of the main attractions, including Piazza Garibaldi and the Museum of Caltanissetta. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a bar, and a breakfast service. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the town’s culture, history, and local shops. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
  • B&B Al Vicoletto is a family-run bed and breakfast located in the historic centre of Caltanissetta, offering cosy rooms with traditional Sicilian décor. The B&B has a welcoming atmosphere, and guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast with local products. Its central location allows easy access to local attractions, such as Palazzo Moncada and Chiesa di San Sebastiano. Price Guide: €€ (Affordable).
  • Agriturismo Feudo Muxarello is a rural guesthouse located about 12 km from the centre of Caltanissetta, offering a peaceful setting surrounded by farmland and natural beauty. The agriturismo features rustic rooms with scenic views, a restaurant serving homemade Sicilian meals, and an outdoor pool. It’s perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature while being close to Caltanissetta’s attractions. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).
  • Hotel Riviera is a 3-star hotel located in the Riviera di Caltanissetta area, offering modern rooms and a restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine. Guests can enjoy easy access to the town’s attractions and local shops. The hotel provides a comfortable stay with excellent service, making it ideal for both leisure and business travellers. Price Guide: €€€ (Mid-range).

​Caltanissetta  Gallery

Caltanissetta  Travel

Caltanisetta's train station is situated a 7 minute walk (700 metres) from Piazza Garibaldi. Trains from here run south west to Agrigento with a journey time of one hour 36 minutes, or east to Catania (2 hours 6 minutes), the same train continuing on to Taormina (2 hours 58 minutes). 

The most convenient airport for Caltanissetta is Catania Airport which is a 1 hour 17 minute drive away (107 km), while Palermo Airport is a possible alternative, an hour and 41 minutes by car (132 km).

Close by is the hilltop city of Enna while the immediate area around Caltanissetta contains some hidden gems such as the hill town of Sutera and the beguiling Castello Manfredonico in Mussomeli. Further away but quicker to reach is Agrigento with its famous UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Valley of the Temples. 

​​Accommodation options in and around Caltanissetta currently include 3 hotels, 33 bed & breakfasts and 14 private apartments. The recommended accommodation for Caltanissetta is the Hotel Antichi Ricordi. ​
Public transport: central train station, local buses
​
​By train: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Agrigento - 1 hour 36 minutes, Catania - 2 hours 6 mins
By car: Enna - 41 mins (32 km), Agrigento - 50 mins (54 km)
​
​Fly to: ​​​​​​​​​​​​Catania Airport - 1 hour 17 minutes by car (107 km)

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via my Italy Review Blog or via  the Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 
Booking.com

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone.