TERRITORY
Along the ancient Wine Road, in the district of San Mauro in Caltagirone, stands Judeka Agriresort. This area is highly significant for viticulture in Sicily, cultivating the only Sicilian DOCG wine: Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
The vineyards are trellised using the Guyot method and grow on lands with a mixed composition of sand and clay. Strategically located, the vineyards benefit from a natural gorge that facilitates ventilation from the Mediterranean. Prevailing winds from the Gulf of Gela (Libeccio and Ponente) and occasional gentle breezes from the Iblei Mountains naturally deter pests and insects.
Surrounding the property are ancient olive trees, peach, plum, cherry, orange, lemon, mandarin, almond, prickly pear, and fig trees, making it one of the best resorts in Sicily for finding peace of mind.
The region of Caltagirone, where our agritourism in Sicily is located, is nestled in the famous and beautiful Val di Noto, renowned for hosting the ancient Greeks who introduced vine cultivation and techniques to Mediterranean countries through the navigable rivers that bordered the vineyards.
Our hotel in Caltagirone is conveniently situated 40 minutes from Comiso Airport and 50 minutes from Catania Airport, within the precious Sicilian territory that includes Caltagirone and Val di Noto. These two jewels set in the splendid frame of Sicily are rich in places where colors dance on the facades of historical buildings, and art manifests in every corner. Discover the stunning architectural beauty of Caltagirone at one of the best resorts in Sicily.
Caltagirone
Partially destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, the oldest part of Caltagirone was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002. Stepping into the historic center of Caltagirone is like entering a universe of Baroque beauty, where majestic staircases adorned with Caltagirone ceramics, ancient churches, noble palaces, and romantic corners narrate stories of a distant past. Perched on three hills, Caltagirone gracefully overlooks the plains of Catania and Gela, making it one of the oldest and most splendid cities in Sicily.
Renowned for its meticulously decorated staircases, adorned with vibrant and colorful ceramics, Caltagirone Ceramics form an integral part of the vast heritage of this city. They are among the most renowned ceramic varieties in Italy, celebrated for their rich history and stylistic diversity.
What to see in Caltagirone: an itinerary through culture and beauty
If you’re visiting Caltagirone, there are several must-see places that we recommend:
- The Santa Maria del Monte Staircase, built in the 1600s and adorned with beautiful majolica tiles in the 1950s.
- The Museum of Caltagirone Ceramics, which houses valuable ceramic artifacts from all over the island.
- The magnificent Villa Comunale, featuring a spectacular garden with English-style avenues, adorned with fountains and small squares decorated with splendid mosaic tiles.
- The Beautiful Cathedral of San Giuliano
- The Bourbon Prison, an architecturally stunning building designed by Natale Bonaiuto from Syracuse.
- The Bridge of San Francesco,a masterpiece adorned with beautiful majolica and ceramics, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city.
- Villa Patti, a neo-Gothic Venetian-style villa restored to its ancient splendors in the 19th century by the architect Nicastro.
- il Mount San Mauro (Sammòru in Sicilian), an archaeological site in the municipality of Caltagirone, where various ancient artifacts, including amphorae, loom weights, and lava stone millstones, have been discovered in its acropolis.
Caltagirone
Partially destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, the oldest part of Caltagirone was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002. Stepping into the historic center of Caltagirone is like entering a universe of Baroque beauty, where majestic staircases adorned with Caltagirone ceramics, ancient churches, noble palaces, and romantic corners narrate stories of a distant past. Perched on three hills, Caltagirone gracefully overlooks the plains of Catania and Gela, making it one of the oldest and most splendid cities in Sicily.
Renowned for its meticulously decorated staircases, adorned with vibrant and colorful ceramics, Caltagirone Ceramics form an integral part of the vast heritage of this city. They are among the most renowned ceramic varieties in Italy, celebrated for their rich history and stylistic diversity.
What to see in Caltagirone: an itinerary through culture and beauty
If you’re visiting Caltagirone, there are several must-see places that we recommend:
- The Santa Maria del Monte Staircase, built in the 1600s and adorned with beautiful majolica tiles in the 1950s.
- The Museum of Caltagirone Ceramics, which houses valuable ceramic artifacts from all over the island.
- The magnificent Villa Comunale, featuring a spectacular garden with English-style avenues, adorned with fountains and small squares decorated with splendid mosaic tiles.
- The Beautiful Cathedral of San Giuliano
- The Bourbon Prison, an architecturally stunning building designed by Natale Bonaiuto from Syracuse.
- The Bridge of San Francesco,a masterpiece adorned with beautiful majolica and ceramics, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city.
- Villa Patti, a neo-Gothic Venetian-style villa restored to its ancient splendors in the 19th century by the architect Nicastro.
- il Mount San Mauro (Sammòru in Sicilian), an archaeological site in the municipality of Caltagirone, where various ancient artifacts, including amphorae, loom weights, and lava stone millstones, have been discovered in its acropolis.
Val di Noto
The entire Noto Valley is a true ode to late Baroque splendor, boasting cities like Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Modica, Ragusa Ibla, Piazza Armerina, Punta Secca, Aidone, and Vizzini, all of which have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002.
Throughout its history, the Noto Valley has been graced by the presence of historical kingdoms and rulers, each contributing their own culture, traditions, and beauty to this extraordinary region, while preserving its unique identity.
If you’re seeking things to see in the Noto Valley, a treasure of immense value, look no further than its stunning Baroque cities, proudly designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which captivate visitors with their distinctive charm and architectural marvels.
What to see in the Val di Noto: the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site territory.
Listing the beauties of historic Noto Valley is a formidable task, as each site holds its unique allure:
- Villa Romana del Casale, A symbol of grandeur in Piazza Armerina, an opulent residence of a prominent Roman aristocrat, recognized as a UNESCO heritage site since 1997.
- Cathedral of Maria Santissim delle vittorie a Piazza Armerina
- Church of San Giorgio in Ragusa Ibla,A masterpiece of Iblean Baroque, erected between 1744 and 1775, revered as the epitome of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
- Church of San Giorgio in nearby Modica.
- Bell tower with the cobalt blue dome of the Church of Santa Maria dell’Itria in Ragusa Ibla, nestled in the ancient Jewish quarter.
- Eight noble palaces in Ragusa Ibla belonging to eminent families, adorned with intricately carved corbels supporting spacious balconies.
- Archaeological Area of Morgantina in Aidone, perched on a hill in the Erei Mountains.
- Magnificent Castle of Pietratagliata in Aidone, also known as Casteddu di Gresti.
- Adelasia Tower, also in Aidone, an ancient Norman defense tower from the old village.
- Chocolate City, renowned as the city of “two cities,” with Modica Alta (Upper Modica) and Modica Bassa (Lower Modica), connected by splendid ancient staircases that allow exploration of the city’s heart, rich in Baroque treasures.
- Cathedral of San Pietro in Modica its staircase adorned with statues of the 12 apostles, majestically welcoming visitors to the Cathedral, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693.
- Birthplace of Salvatore Quasimod a Modica.
- Chocolate Museum in Modica, a must-visit attraction.
These are just a few of the countless extraordinary sights to behold in the enchanting Val di Noto.
