San Cataldo, Sicily

San Cataldo is a city in the province of Caltanissetta in the Italian region Sicily, with 23,603 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2012).

Location and data

San Cataldo is 9 km west of Caltanissetta. The inhabitants mainly work in agriculture and industry.

The neighboring municipalities are Caltanissetta, Mussomeli, Serradifalco and Marianopoli.

The city lies with the San Cataldo station on the railway line Catania - Agrigento. The journey to Agrigento is 1 hour and 18 minutes and Caltanissetta 9 minutes.

History

San Cataldo was founded in 1607 by Nicolò Galletis. The place got its name in honor of Saint Cataldo, Bishop of Taranto, from which the place possesses relics.

Until about 1950, the city lived mainly from the reduction of sulfur and rock salt. The collapse of this activity triggered a wave of emigration, which was mitigated only by the almost simultaneous emergence of small and medium industrial enterprises.

Structures

In the resort

The church dei Padri Mercedari dates from the 18th century. Inside is a statue of Our Lady of Salvatore Bagnasco. The parish church dates from 1665 and is located in the oldest part of San Cataldo.

In the surrounding area

Located in Vassallaggi about 5 km from San Cataldo is a settlement from the Bronze Age to the public.

Events

  • Discesa dalla Croce ( Cross decrease), a performance on Good Friday

Personalities

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