Santo Pietro
Welcome to Santo Pietro: the hamlet of the Bosco di Santo Pietro nature reserve
Santo Pietro is a small hamlet located in the southern part of the municipality of Caltagirone, within the Bosco di Santo Pietro nature reserve. With only 64 inhabitants in 2013, Santo Pietro is a peaceful hamlet immersed in nature. It offers a unique experience to anyone looking for a refuge from the chaos of the city and who wants to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
Discover the geography of Santo Pietro
Santo Pietro is only 14.9 km away from Caltagirone and 86 km from the capital city of Catania, and is located at 278 meters above sea level. The hamlet borders with several other hamlets, including Piano San Paolo, Acate, Niscemi, Granieri, and Mazzarrone. Comprising several hamlets, Santo Pietro offers many opportunities for exploration through its streets that run through the woods.
The origin of the name Santo Pietro
The name "Santo Pietro" derives from the Sicilian "Santu Petru" and could be explained by the presence of an ancient church dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, dating back to the 13th century. The toponym "Santo Pietro" was mentioned for the first time in a document in 1399.
History of Santo Pietro
In the 14th century, the ancient barony of Fetanasimo was divided into fiefs, including Sciri, Favara, Graneri, Bidino, Mazarone, and Ramione. The remaining part took the name of Santo Pietro. The area, characterized by the presence of a vast oak forest, remained under the jurisdiction of Caltagirone, with the city exercising feudal domination. Santo Pietro, together with the other fief of Camopetro, gave the city a considerable income thanks to the production of cork and land rents. In 1812, with the promulgation of the Sicilian Constitution, feudalism was abolished, but the area remained communal property. In the 19th century, the area was demanialized for civic uses.
Today Santo Pietro is a picturesque hamlet, a place where inhabitants work mainly in agriculture and livestock farming. The schools in the area are located in the historic center of Caltagirone. Santo Pietro offers an authentic experience of Sicilian rural life. Visitors can enjoy the peace and tranquility of this place, immersed in nature. The Bosco di Santo Pietro and the surrounding hamlets offer many opportunities for walks and hikes, to discover the natural beauty of the area and engage in outdoor activities.
If you are looking for a peaceful place away from the worries of daily life, Santo Pietro is undoubtedly the right place to go.
