Provinces of Sicilia: Caltinissetta
The town lies 568 m. above sea level in the hilly region to the right of the Salso river, at the foot of San Giuliano (727 m.) in the middle of the island. The old centre is characterized by picturesque narrow winding streets, while the modern town has been built to a neat square plan.
Probably a Siculo-Greek settlement, the town was occupied by the Arabs in 829 (the name Kalat-Nissa: castle of Nissa dates back to this time) and its resultant prosperity continued under Norman rule, beginning in 1087. From then on, it shared the vicissitudes of the Kingdom of Sicily, though granted in feud by the Moncada family from the 15th to 19th century. It became part of Italy in 1860.
Its monuments include: the Duomo (16th-17th century) with a richly ornamental interior, the church of S. Agata dei Gesuiti (Baroque, 17th century), the church of S. Domenico (Baroque, 17th century), the church of S. Maria degli Angeli (13th century Gothic portal), the ruins of Pietrarossa castle (Norman), Palazzo Moncada (unfinished, 17th century Baroque). In the neighbourhood, the Badia di S. Spirito (a Norman foundation, 12th century).
Caltanissetta is a market town for agricultural (cereals and almonds) and animal products from the surrounding area, and a mining centre (potash and sulphur, though the latter is now declining). Of the other sectors, the industrial is of very modest proportions, and comprises traditional food manufacturing and building materials. Employment in the public sector is, however, extremely high. There is an active craft industry.
Events: Holy Week Celebrations, Settembre Nisseno, Fiera Centro-Sicula (May).
Cultural Institutions: State Archives, Biblioteca Comunale, Museo Civico Archeologico (terracotta temple, 7th century BC.), Museo del Folclore, Museo Mineralogico.
In the Province: Gela (port, petrochemical complex, archaeological museum), San Cataldo (mining centre), Niscemi (agricultural centre), Montedoro (potash), Falconara (seaside resort).
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