San Cataldo
Welcome to San Cataldo
We would like to introduce you to San Cataldo, a municipality located in the province of Caltanissetta, in Sicily, that has about 21,000 inhabitants. You will discover that the city offers a variety of things to do and see.
Physical Geography
San Cataldo is located on a hill at 625 meters above sea level, between the municipalities of Serradifalco, Mussomeli, and Caltanissetta. The sources of the "Salito" river, the only river in the city, originate from the slopes of Mount Schiavo near the town of Santa Caterina Villarmosa. The territory is located in the area of the Sicilian Sulphuric Plateau, a mining area. San Cataldo is well connected to nearby cities including Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Enna, and Ragusa.
The city's climate is Mediterranean, with a majestic summer and a relatively cold winter. Although winter temperatures rarely reach near zero, snowfall is rare and brief. On the other hand, summer is hot, with maximum temperatures reaching 40°C. The wind predominantly blows from the south.
History
San Cataldo has a relatively young history since the inhabited center was founded only in 1607. Prince Nicolò Galletti requested a license from the King of Sicily Philip III of Spain (licentia populandi) to build and populate the ancient village Calironi (or Caliruni), located within the barony of Fiumesalato. Immigration of people from nearby towns and the economic aspect pushed the town to quickly populate. In 1623, the town had 722 inhabitants and in 1651, there were about 1,607. In 1921, the number increased to about 23,486 inhabitants.
Although the city has undergone many urban transformations, its historical aspect has remained intact. Some buildings such as the Mother Church (San Cataldo) and the noble constructions in the historic center recall the city's past.
Symbols
The symbol of the municipality of San Cataldo is the coat of arms, adopted in 1948, after the referendum to choose between monarchy and republic.
We are happy to have welcomed you to San Cataldo and strongly recommend taking the time to discover the history and beauty of this city.
