Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte

The Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, located in Caltagirone, Sicily, Italy, is a renowned set of steps built in 1606 to connect the ancient part of the city to its upper new section. Stretching over 130 meters (430 ft), the staircase is flanked by balcony buildings and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. Caltagirone, part of the Late Baroque Towns of Val di Noto UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, expanded across mountain slopes in the mid-15th century, leading to communication difficulties between its areas.

To address this, the city authorities commissioned the construction of a staircase along the southern slope under Giuseppe Giacalone, completed in 1616 after 10 years. The original design included rest areas and 150 steps. Modifications in 1844 removed these rest areas, reducing the incline.

The steps were entirely decorated with polychrome ceramic tiles starting in 1954, showcasing various artistic styles from Arab to contemporary. The 103rd step features "Ave Maria," referencing themes of benediction, forgiveness, and compassion from the 103rd Psalm.

Caltagirone hosts two main festivities: the Infiorata in May, where thousands of flowers decorate the stairs, and La Scala Illuminata during July and August, when 4,000 oil lamps illuminate the staircase in honor of Saint James the Great, attracting many tourists.