Nisseno and Gelese

<< Sicily

The Province of Caltanissetta is located in central-southern Sicily. This area is composed of two traditional regions, Nisseno in the north, around Caltanissetta, and Gelese in the south, centered in Gela, the largest city in the province. This territory is mostly hilly, and it touches the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

Caltanissetta

Caltanissetta is a city located among the hills of central Sicily. Inhabited since ancient times, it was a fortified position for centuries, and the modern town developed starting in the Late Middle Ages. In the 19th century Caltanissetta became a provincial capital, and grew thanks to its mining industry.

Caltanissetta Cathedral

Also known as: Church of Santa Maria la Nova

The Caltanissetta Cathedral is the main church of the city, located at the center of the old town of Caltanissetta. The church was built between the 16th and 17th century in Baroque style, and was later expanded. The cathedral has a monumental facade with two bell towers, while the interior is entirely adorned with elaborate frescoes and decorations.

Mineralogical Museum of Caltanissetta

The Mineralogical Museum of Caltanissetta (Museo Mineralogico di Caltanissetta) is a museum dedicated to the local mining industry in Caltanissetta. The museum houses a rich collection of fossils and minerals, and also includes exhibitions on the history of mining around the city.

Regional Archaeological Museum of Caltanissetta

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Caltanissetta (Museo Archeologico Regionale di Caltanissetta) is an archaeological museum located at the northern outskirts of Caltanissetta. The museum houses a collection of archaeological findings unearthed in the provinces of Caltanissetta and Enna.

Mazzarino

Mazzarino is a town located halfway between Caltanissetta and Gela in the Province of Caltanissetta. The town is located on a plateau among the hills, and developed as a fortified position in the Late Middle Ages. Mazzarino remained a small regional center, and it is now famous for its historic castle.

Mazzarino Castle

The Mazzarino Castle is a medieval fortress located on a hill just north of Mazzarino. The castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century and was later the residence of the local rulers, until it was abandoned around the 16th century. The fort is now partly ruined, but it still features a large cylindrical tower.

Gela

Gela is the largest city in the Province of Caltanissetta, and it is located on the Mediterranean Sea. The city was founded by Greek colonists in the 7th century BCE, and became one of the most powerful centers of Magna Graecia in the 5th century BCE. Gela even established various satellite colonies and conquered several other cities, but was later destroyed by the Carthaginians. After centuries of obscurity, a new town called Terranova emerged here in the Late Middle Ages. In 1927 the city was renamed Gela, and in the late 20th century it developed as an industrial center.

Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela

The Regional Archaeological Museum of Gela (Museo Archeologico Regionale di Gela) is an archaeological museum dedicated to the history of Gela and the ancient city once located here. The museum houses several archaeological findings and ancient artworks unearthed in and around Gela, and it is located next to the archaeological area of the ancient city, which includes the ruins of the old acropolis.